#i think we should thank the cameraman for filming this moment but also not filming ilkka

[christiangeistdorfer]

HENRI TOIVONEN, JUHA KANKKUNEN, CHRISTIAN GEISTDÖRFER, TIMO SALONEN & MARKKU ALÉN in a lift while waiting for WALTER RÖHRL during the 1986 RALLYE DE PORTUGAL

[just-some-random-blogger]

Bootylicious

Stray Kids Bang Chan x Idol!Reader Summary: You're known as the gym rat in your group, and quite frankly, you only have two moods: shredding or chilling. This was why when you're not asleep in between schedules, you're spotted with a male idol you happened to meet in the gym you were at that day. It's a known fact though, that you and Bang Chan are gym buddies and each other's spotter. Word Count: 2k+ Warnings: Internet toxicity, sasaengs, vulgar language, sexism, misogyny, pining, fluff, mentions of Pentagon because why not <3, etc.

A/N: Girl, i shouldn't do this but I did. It's so funny to me someone requested this cause I have recently become an exercise junkie lol. Also, if you can't tell, there is a pov shift after the cut so yeah. I also wanted to keep the reader gender neutral but I want to write about how psychotically different people treat male and female idols because that stuff aint it. It's most definitely not what anon was expecting me to write but I hope they enjoy it nonetheless.

There's compilation in YT with growing parts centered around you flexing your physical fitness and prowess. It ranges from you affectionally touring your fans, which really meant the cameraman, through the gym, introducing your trainer, and doing your routine on camera, to your group (and others) both fawning and bragging about how strong and how hot you are.

CLIP #1: A scene from an interview of your group in Japan, struggling to talk about how you can do 40 straight push ups.

There was a male interviewer in a suit you could all faintly recognize was talking about your recent Instagram post of a gym mirror selfie.

One of your youngest members smirked and in broken Japanese, cutely said, "Wah, she does 100 push ups! Everyday, every night."

You snap your head to the maknae and raise your brows, "nani?" You begin to shake your hands in protest and begin to explain your truth, "absolutely not 100. Maybe around 40, but nooooo, not 100."

The interviewer and your group comically react in awe. The man in the suit urges, "can you show us?"

You give a face, "Excuse me, but I'm not getting paid to do that in this miniskirt."

Everyone, including the film crew, break into laughter.

CLIP #2: A scene from a variety show where you had to prove you were, in fact, yourself, by doing a shortened version of your exercise routine.

One of the hosts of the show asks, "Wait, do you honestly do all of this in your workout? Like you can do all of it?"

The list of your exercises were written on a colourful cardboard, held by the one who just spoke. It was a range of exercises in 10 sets, from jumping jacks to sit ups, to vague sounding exercises like crab pinches and robot arms.

You purse your lips at the last question asked of you, not really liking the tone in which it was asked. You answer quickly and nod proudly, "I actually do more, cause when I get in the zone and I'm already really sweaty, I feel like I should keep going until my whole body burns." You chuckle.

The older hosts, tilt their head and mutter lowly under their breath something along the lines of, "I'd rather die."

You finally do the routine, quickly, continuously, earning impressed reactions from everyone.

"That's hot," one of the hosts note.

"Ya, for some reason it looks easy to do."

The hosts begin to clamour at that statement, and force whoever said to do the exact thing you did. Clearly, they don't work out as much as you do and cannot even get halfway through it without stopping.

You break out into a breathless laugh in amusement of the comical attempt but then protest, explaining how bad it is to force yourself to do more than you can

CLIP #3: Pentagon, Hongseok especially, fawns over how fit you are

Trailing a conversation about how your group is close with Pentagon because your companies are situated closely to each other and you wind up eating together a lot, there is an anecdote about how there was a jar no one could open, no one but you, that is.

The interviewer asks no one in particular, "wah, none of you could open the jar? Really? Or did you all just pretend so she could open it?"

There is a chorus of answers concluding with, "no really, she was the only one that was able to open it."

The story is backed up by how the jar had a really small lid and some hands were too big. Then came an explanation how you were recently into the new rock climbing machine in your gym.

Hongseok speaks up, "I was invited to go to rock climbing in, like, an actual rock climbing place and I was honestly so surprised when she began to climb. She said she never actually tried rock climbing on a wall, but it seemed like she had been doing it for years."

Shinwon agrees, "Right, right. I was also really curious about what they did that day," he points to Hongseok, "that I joined them one time. I never felt so out of shape in my life. I just stayed back and filmed everything."

Pentagon laughs, and then agrees that you were exceptionally fast and just super fit in all honesty.

The interviewer catches Hongseok's expression then suddenly asks, "do you like a woman like that?"

"Yeah, I like my women strong."

Then came a lot of teasing remarks from Pentagon, and a plethora of complaints from delusional fans who did not want Hongseok to ever breathe in your direction again.

With all that's been said about that, in all the parts of this series floating around in the internet, one thing remained, there was a slightly larger population of impressed fans than the still large portion of antifans who wanted nothing to do with it and only came around to hate.

It's hard not to think about it, but even the slightest back handed compliment can sometimes linger in one's mind.

And right now, as much as I kept my mind on my counting as I finished my set high knees, I couldn't help but think of how much backlash I got from posting a post workout photo with my midriff exposed.

Apparently that was not only enough to merit hate for being both a whore and an attention whore, but people baselessly began to hate on my groupmates simply for being associated with me.

It's kind of sad really, how, say Wonho, can post a fairly exposed photo of himself and get so much praise for it, and yet I couldn't even do anything remotely close to that.

And I don't even mean to come at Wonho, we all know he's a beast at the gym and should be able to show as much of his hard work as he is comfortable in showing, but why can't I?

"Hey trooper. I thought you said you were only doing 80 counts?" a voice cracks me out of my train of thought.

I turn to whom spoke and chuckle at myself as I stop my leg raises, "ah yeah, I got lost in thought, and your really good song."

I pull on my earphones and give a lopside smile, "I love working out to God's Menu."

He gives a soft, "he he, thanks."

"No need for a thank you when I'm only giving my honest opinion, Chan."

"Yeah, well still, it makes my kokoro go doki-doki," he sniggers, crossing his arms and flashing a dimpled smile. I raise my upper lip and reel back, "EWWW!"

I playfully shove him. He acts hurt, "this is violence against children."

"Chan, you're literally older than me."

"That doesn't mean I'm not a child at heart."

"You mean, it doesn't mean you're not a drama queen."

"Hey, I have no interest in having a throne, my only interest is," he leans in and whispers, "you."

I feel my soul leave my body as he snorts to himself and runs away. I regurgitate in surprise, "YA!"

"You better do your next set properly," Chan says heading off to a cable row machine, "I'm always watching."

I try to ignore the blood rushing up your neck, "creep."

He shrugs, "rather that or have you get injured, sweet heart."

Yeah, Chan has saved me from a lot of injuries I could have had. It was a bad habit. It stemmed from the same thing that made me mess up my count a while ago, my overthinking.

Sometimes I thought of rather harmless things, but sometimes I began to fixate on the hate I received for simply being. I do a lot to get my mind to realize that they hated me simply because they could and because it was easy. Exercising helped tremendously, especially when I had someone fun to work out with, especially when I was with Chan. He just... made me feel safe, y'know.

But when the news of us being work out buddies surfaced, a lot of sasaengs came for me. Of course, a lot of Stays and my own fans were really kind about, speaking out that we were our own people and exercising together did not mean anything in particular really.

But some really went for it, and made it a hobby to comment on everything I was in that I was a slut for 'working out' with different men every day."

I let out a breath as I finish my routine. I catch my breath and go for a swig of my water. I take a moment then sit down by the mirror, which was near where Chan was currently working out.

"You're doing it again."

I turn from where I was blankly staring at turn to Chan who gave me a soft look, "you good?"

I release a sigh then purse my lips, "maybe."

He pouts, "what happened?"

I shrug and stand from where I sat, "you know, the usual."

Chan then comes up to me and takes my water bottle from me, "you know, no matter how much people say you don't need water to live, you can never change the fact that you are extremely dependent on water to live."

I look at him and half- heartedly point, "are you calling me thirsty?"

He begrudgingly groans and releases a chuckle. He calls my name out in a scolding tone. I feel myself relax, "I know what you're getting at Chan."

He nods, "good. I'll always be here to remind you of that."

I smile and feel an urge to hug him, "if you weren't so sweaty, I would totally hug you right now."

Chan then gives me a look then does not hesitate to crush me into his arms. I groan and whine in protest. He chuckles, "you literally just said you wanted a hug!"

"YOU'RE LITERALLY SO SWEATY. NO ONE WANTS THIS TORTURE."

Chan huffs and gives a wounded look, "hmp. You better spot me while I lift or else I'm unfriending you."

"Hmm... I think I'll be good without you as a friend."

I half expect Chan to whine about it, but he instead smirks, "ahhhh, you must want me to be your boyfriends so badly huh."

I- I mean...

CLIP #4: A crack edit of Chan when he gets asked about his gym relationship with me in Chan's Room.

He was looking through the questions and suddenly chuckles, his ears noticeably began to redden. Cue a zoom in of his face and his red ears. Cue a clip of Cardi B saying, "that's suspicious."

He says my name then continues, "am I close with her? Yeah. I would say I'm close with her-- and her whole group actually."

Captioned: Nice save, Chris.

"The kids and I are close with her group," he says, clearing his throat.

A clip of him clearing his throat is repeated about ten times.

Chan adjust the beanie he was wearing as he thinks of what he was going to say next, "we actually do work out together a lot because she's under a trainer that works with my trainer."

Captioned: Sure, Chan. That's the only reason, right?

Chan catches another question, "Is she a beast in the gym like Hongseok says?" He breaks into a laugh. He then rubs his cheek and grits his teeth.

A clip of someone saying, "Oh he's jealous," flashes on screen.

"Yeah," Chan finally says, "she's got a really high stamina."

Cue the clip, WHAT DID HE SAY?

Chan continues, "she can go between exercises without stopping. she doesn't even take that much time to catch her breath. In fact, she sings while exercising sometimes, which helps make her vocals stable."

Captioned: Queen Tingz.

The next thing that happens is Chan breaks into a laugh and begins to chuckle. He says, "Sorry I saw a funny comment."

Captioned: WHAT HE MEANS IS HE SAW A COMMENT SAYING 'SHUT UP CHRIS, YOU'RE WHIPPED."

Then came these comments:

LITERALLY LOOK AT HOW FLUFFY BANG CHAN GETS WHEN HE TALKS ABOUT HER DONT FUCKING TOUCH ME MY SHIP IS ALIVE

They are dating period. prove me wrong. you cant

Chan literally blushes over anything, buT HE TURNED INTO A TOMATO WHEN HE TALKED ABOUT HER BYE

if you hate on your faves loving each other, you most definitely need Jesus (:

PLEASE CAN YOU SEE HOW WHIPPED THEY ARE FOR EACH OTHER

Yeah... it's not been confirmed to this day.

[blu-joons]

When You’re A Run BTS Cameraman ~ BTS Reaction

Jin:

As the filming came to an end, you were more than relieved to finally be able to put your camera down and take a seat in one of the chairs. “Here,” a voice spoke as you caught your breath, handing a bottle of water to you.

“You could read my mind,” you chuckled, glancing up at Jin.

“You were good,” he laughed, sitting down beside you, “not many can keep up.”

“Well, you certainly didn’t make it easy for me,” you hummed, taking a huge gulp of water, “I never knew running was so hard.”

He leaned across and nudged gently against your shoulder, “I might have to put in a good word and see if you can be my cameraman for all of our shorts from now on.”

“Did I do that well?” You questioned, surprised when his head nodded back at you. “You’ve not even seen what the footage looks like yet to know how I did.”

He shrugged back at you, “I don’t need to see it to know that you did well, call it a gut feeling, but I have nothing to worry about.”

“Well, anytime you need me to record you, you know where I am,” you reminded him, “all you have to do is let me know.”

“I will do just that, don’t worry.”

Yoongi:

The slow pace that came with working with Yoongi was one that was a huge relief to you. Whilst everyone else ran around you, you were able to walk. “You’ve got the easy job,” he laughed across to you at his side.

“You’re not wrong,” you teased, watching everyone else.

“There’s no need to run,” he pointed out to you, “it doesn’t change anything.”

“It makes you the most popular among the cameramen,” you informed him with a wide smile, “we can all just relax when with you.”

His eyes rolled with a loud chuckle, “I’m glad there’s some people around who finally appreciate my slow pace in life. I mean really, what is the rush sometimes?”

“We play rock, paper, scissors to try and get you,” you shamefully added to your information, “everyone is that desperate to work with you and film.”

His smile grew once again, “you do realise you’ve given me a huge ammunition to brag about in front of the rest of the boys too.”

“I’m sure they’ve got plenty of things they can use against you too,” you sniggered, “just like how you’re usually the one who loses.”

“I’ve won a couple of times…just a couple.”

Hoseok:

His eyebrows knitted together as he looked across to address the camera, only to look back and see you catching your breath for a few moments. “Are you alright?” He chuckled, jogging a few paces back to you.

“I never had you down for a runner,” you smiled, “you’re quick.”

“You should have said,” he laughed, resting his hand against your back, “I would have slowed.”

“No, don’t be stupid, I should have done a better job of keeping up,” you assured him, standing yourself back up after a few moments.

Hobi studied you closely to make sure that you were doing alright, “you’re no bother if sometimes you tell me to wait, sometimes I can head off a bit too quick.”

“I just need to go running a little more often,” you giggled, walking alongside him, “I was very under prepared to film you today it seems.”

His head shook back at you, “a lot of the cameraman say I’m the dark horse, none of them expect me to move as fast as I actually do.”

“And I couldn’t agree with them more,” you teased, “you make working for Jungkook seem like a walk in the park somehow.”

“I’m not that quick, not just yet anyway.”

Namjoon:

You could only walk and listen as Namjoon talked to himself again and again whilst walking around the empty building. “Y/N, are you listening to me?” He questioned, taking you by surprise at the sudden sound of his voice.

“Y-yeah,” you stuttered, smiling across in his direction.

“You switched off?” He questioned, “don’t worry, all the cameramen usually do.”

“I just thought you talked to yourself for the camera,” you admitted to him, “I didn’t realise you spoke to the staff too.”

He shrugged gently, smiling weakly, “it makes me feel as if I’m not completely mad by talking to the cameraman, otherwise I really feel as if I’m talking to myself.”

“I’m listening from now on,” you swiftly informed him, lifting the camera back up to look at him, “although I don’t think I can answer you on camera.”

His smile continued to grow wider, “just nod your head, that’s all you have to do. At least then I feel like someone else is listening.”

“I can do that,” you cheered, “just keep talking and pretend that I’m not here, the camera won’t even notice me.”

“Alright, let’s try this again in that case.”

Jimin:

You bit down on your bottom lip as Jimin read through the clue, unable to make any sense of what it was asking of him. “Do you get it?” He asked you, but you remained impartial and didn’t react in the slightest.

“I’m not allowed to say,” you replied as he pushed once again.

“No one will know,” he frowned, “I’m in last position, I really need some help Y/N.”

“The camera will pick it up Jimin,” you reminded him, shoving it in front of his face, “and no one will believe you won all alone.”

His jaw hit the floor, shaking his head in surprise, “I can’t believe you think so lowly of me sometimes, as a member of staff you’re supposed to support me instead.”

“I support you, but I also know you,” you teased him, “I’ve seen you fail far too many times to know that you could do this and win the challenge.”

He stared back at you once again, “just give me one clue, not even the answer, a tiny little push into the right direction, please?”

“No,” you laughed, encouraging him to get moving, “eventually you’ll figure what the clue is trying to tell you.”

“But it’ll be far too late by then.”

Taehyung:

Your hands were full already as you held onto the equipment to film Taehyung, only for him to reach out and hand you several of the items he needed to keep a hold of. “Keep these safe,” he instructed as he started walking.

“I’m a cameraman, not a hoarder,” you called out to him.

“Please,” he whined, glancing back at you, “the more you hold, the more I collect.”

“How am I supposed to film you with all these stupid things filling up my hands and pockets?” You continued to question, “am I a decoy?”

His head nodded as you soon figured him out, “the others will think that I haven’t got any, and then I’ll surprise them all at the end with loads thanks to you.”

“This feels a lot like the episode when you cheated Jimin,” you added, watching as he continued to nod. “One day he is actually going to kill you.”

His eyebrows raised at your remark, “I can’t believe you’d accuse me of such a thing, I could get you fired if you really want me to.”

“If you got me fired then who would be around to carry all of your stuff?” You questioned, instantly making him fall silent.

“You’ve got me there; I’ll give you that one.”

Jungkook:

The weight of the world sent you toppling down as Jungkook sprinted off in yet another direction in his search of stickers. “Y/N, keep up!” He yelled, glancing back to see you were a few metres off of him to shoot.

“You’re an animal Jeon Jungkook!” You yelled out to him.

“Keep up,” he smirked, slowing his pace to give you time to catch up.

“Why do you have to run so fast?” You groaned once you were back up by his side, “do you have any consideration for the staff.”

His head shook proudly with a cheeky grin plastered across his face, “I have to win, even if that means that you end up with no footage of me, I don’t care.”

“I’ve never met anyone as competitive as you,” you hummed, “my body feels like it’s about to give up following you around and pass you the camera.”

His arm wrapped loosely around your shoulders, “I’ll give you two minutes to catch your breath and then we’re back into a run.”

“How does five sound?” You sheepishly asked, pouting across at him. “I could give a marathon runner a go for how long you make me run.”

“You’ve always been a dramatic member of staff Y/N.”

---

Masterlist

[leejungchans]

— behind the scenes.

juliet’s masterlist | 👀 ask juliet anything!!

summary: juliet’s debut on seventeen’s youtube channel (aka an episode of inside seventeen of the making process of dino and juliet’s collaboration for dino’s danceology!!)

first of all let’s all leave f’s in the chat bc the two of them had to do their utmost best not to give away that they were already dating when this was filmed 💀💀💀

keep in mind that only their managers knew, so most of the staff (eg. hair stylists, makeup artists, cameramen, editors) did not know

so yEp!! just two beStiEs haHa nothing to see here!!! 🤪✌️

the video starts off with clips of them going over the choreography in the practice room at pledis

then it cuts to a clip of the two of them sitting on the floor where chan introduced juliet to the viewers and talked about why he chose her for this collaboration other than wanting an excuse to film something with his girlfriend oops

it was filmed in private after one of their practice sessions and it took forever for them just to get a 2-minute introduction clip 💀💀

because stuff like this happened:

“hi carats! today i have a special guest with—”

“wait—are we sitting a little too close for ‘just friends’?”

“are we????”

“idk but tbh any distance will be ‘too close’ to some people”

“should we sit on opposite sides of the room instead then?”

“yeah let’s do that”

not them coming for those kinds of netizens pLS 😭😭

“hi carats! today i have a special guest with me!”

“...”

“baby you’re supposed to introduce yourself”

“and you’re probably not supposed to call me ‘baby’ on camera”

“fuck did i say that????”

“yeah :3 as cute as that was we have to go again”

protect them 😔😔

“so i invited ateez’s juliet to be in this video because i really like her perfor—you’re giving me heart eyes we have to start over...”

“no i wasn’t!!!”

“yes you were!!!!”

“how else should i be looking at you then 😭😭😭”

there was also way too much giggling so they had to keep starting over 🥺🥺

they spent 10 minutes just deleting all the unusable footage from the camera before handing it back to pledis’ editing team 💀💀

“channie we have to delete that one too”

“why??? what’s wrong with it????”

“you called me ‘baby’ in that one”

“(￣︿￣) will you ever let me live that down”

“...no (´ ω `♡)”

okay so maybe they sent all those unusable clips to their phones first before they deleted them bc they’re cute 😔 (a/n: don’t ask me how i’m an idiot with technology ahdjhwjd 💀)

cut to the actual day of filming!!

juliet was pretty nervous bc most of the staff there were from pledis

but they were really nice and encouraging!!! 🥺

they had to shoot some solo behind-the-scenes interviews and it was a mess bc whenever one of them was filming the other would stand behind the cameraman trying to make them laugh 💀💀

“i was very honoured when dino-sunbaenim invited me to do this collaboration, because i’ve looked up to seventeen-sunbaenim since i was a trainee, so i’m really thankful for this opportunity—why are you laughing????? 😭😭”

he was laughing bc she had to call him sunbaenim lmfaoooo 💀

“i think we make good partners bc when we’re not completely satisfied with a part of the performance, we do it again instead of dwelling on it—why are YOU laughing?????? 😭😭😭😭😭😭”

haha “partners” 👀

jokes aside they still made sure to praise each other in front of the cameras when monitoring the footage 🥺🥺🥺

“ohHhH~ your facial expressions are good”

“well i have to keep with sunbaenim soooo...”

“eyyy what do you mean ‘keep up’? you’re already really good”

[mark lee’s voice] aw dude they’re flirting

when they finished the last take they high-fived each other bc they’re just a couple of bros 🤪

okay but he brought her water when she was still catching her breath so :((((((

“you okay? 🥺”

“yeah i’m okay 🥺”

don’t worry when the crew left they got to hug and say all the coupley-things they wanted to say but couldn’t (´• ω •`) ♡

in conclusion it was a very wholesome episode of inside seventeen

caratinys are thriving ✨

skin? cleared. rice? cooked. crops? watered. hotel? trivago.

everyone was living for their friendship (👀) and also for the soft moments at the end :’)))

a/n: just because i felt like we needed more dino/juliet content 😔💕 also literally after i finished writing this he put out a new danceology so in conclusion he knows what the people want ✨ everyone say thank you lee chan 🙏 please leave feedback and chat with me!! i hope you’re doing well and have a nice day ❤️

[h0rnetjam]

entry #72

for days after what went down at alex’s old house, tim could not get through to jay—the man was completely out of it from his encounter with the operator and his subsequent seizure, and nothing tim did seemed to help.

tim found himself rewatching entry #72, trying to find where he could’ve done something, saved jay somehow. he could deal with the visions and seizures, he’s had them his whole life, but now that jay was roped into it, he had to stop this once and for all, whatever this was.

“i’m back,” tim called as he unlocked the motel room door, a bag from the gas station in his hand, “i got snacks.”

jay was exactly where he left him: laying on his bed, staring at the ceiling blankly, though tim couldn’t really tell if he was awake or conscious or not. his eyes glazed over and the perpetual eyebags under them were darkened—he was nearly threadbare by now, all the shit he’s had to go through these past several years wearing him down until there’s barely anything left.

“how’re you holding up?” tim asked, sitting across from him on his own bed, kicking off his shoes while taking the go-pro and its harness off and setting it on the nightstand alongside the plastic bag from the gas station.

jay’s bleary eyes blinked into focus, and he turned his head to look towards tim, but said nothing.

tim sighed deeply, running his hands over his face. he wasn’t mad, not at jay at least—maybe at himself for letting this happen to his traveling partner—he just didn’t know what to do to for jay’s state. the only thing that helped tim when he had seizures was his pills, but jay always refused them when he offered.

“jay,” he said, a rare moment of softness from the man, “you need help, i’m really concerned about you...”

jay sat up slowly, mumbling, “i dunno, i should be fine soon.”

“have you slept at all?” tim asked, getting up to sit down beside the cameraman.

jay stared at his hands, his silence being answer enough.

“i know you don’t like it, but please just...” tim looked over at jay’s hunched and frail form, an unknown feeling aching in his chest, “please just...try the pills, they could actually help.”

jay sighed deeply, he knew he was out of options, and maybe tim was right and they really would help him. so the cameraman yielded, and silently held his hand out for one.

tim raised his eyebrows, not really expecting jay to accept his offer, but reached over to grab the pill bottle from the nightstand. he shook one of them into jay’s palm, who just stared at the pill wordlessly.

“what’s wrong?” tim asked.

“can i have some water?” jay responded in a whisper, almost sheepishly, “i can’t swallow them dry like you.”

tim hesitated. “the only bottle we’ve got is mine, but we probably shouldn’t share.”

“with the things we’ve done together, i don’t think sharing water bottles is really our biggest concern right now,” jay replied.

“fair point,” he said, suddenly painfully aware of how close they’re sitting right now. with hot cheeks, tim hastily got up to grab the water.

he sat back down by jay’s side after handing him the bottle. tim watched as jay swallowed the pill, oddly transfixed by the way his throat moved.

“you should start feeling better soon,” tim informed him, setting the water back down on their nightstand.

“thank you,” jay said quietly, “for taking care of me.”

tim’s cheeks flushed, his eyes going a little wide. “no problem,” he replied, feeling slightly awkward.

tim bumped jay’s knee with his, pressing them closer together. the cameraman looked up at tim, jay’s bleary eyes meeting his steady gaze, and faintly smiled, the most emotion tim’s seen from him in days.

tim’s chest tightened. he’d be lying if he said he hasn’t thought about this scenario many, many times before, but he never expected to ever get this close to jay.

they leaned into each other, pulled together almost. tim could feel jay’s breath on his cheek, and it made his head spin.

fluttering his eyes shut, jay nudged tim’s nose with his own, and brushed their lips together gently.

“wait,” tim murmured, pulling back slightly, “you’re not feeling alright, we shouldn’t—“

“tim.” jay cupped the back of tim’s neck, pushing their foreheads together, “please don’t think it’s like...that. i want this.”

tim worried it was too good to be true, that jay was still too out of it to know any better. “are you sure?”

jay could sense tim’s hesitation. “i promise,” he said in a gentle voice.

jay cupped his face in his hands, bringing their lips back together. this time, tim didn’t pull away, letting his body relax under jay’s touch.

after a moment, jay pulled back, stroking along tim’s cheek and looking into his soft brown eyes. “i’ve wanted to do that for so long,” jay admitted, his face flushing.

“you have?” tim replied, surprised.

“yeah, i’ve kinda had a thing for you for a while.” jay averted his gaze, “ever since we originally started filming marble hornets...”

tim thought back. “that was like...years ago—you’ve liked me through all that?”

jay nodded. “well you’re in luck, because i’ve also had a big thing for you. ever since i did that screen test with you, actually.”

tim smiled with jay, the first time he had seen that smile in a long while. he felt his chest grow warm knowing that jay was starting to feel better.

“i’m tired,” jay mumbled, rubbing his eye with a balled up fist.

“i bet,” tim replied, “do you want to go to bed?”

jay hesitated for a moment, his instinctual aversion to sleep kicking in, but once he saw the gentle look on tim’s face, he nodded once again.

“could you um...“ jay cleared his throat, “could you nap with me?”

tim chuckled softly, laying back on the bed, “sure thing, c’mere.” he opened his arms to jay, inviting him in with a soft smile. jay’s cheeks flushed as he tucked himself into tim’s chest.

tim pressed a soft kiss to jay’s forehead, wrapping his arms around jay’s trim waist and holding him tight. jay curled up into tim’s front, resting his head against his collarbone, using his bicep as a pillow, and buried his face in tim’s chest.

they fell asleep just liked that, close and safe in each other’s arms. and for the first time in years, jay slept through the whole night.

[sincerelyella]

RAMifications Chapter 8 - Butterflies Pt 2.

Book: The Royal Romance (AU)

Pairings: Liam x MC (Ella)

Song Inspiration: Butterflies Pt 2. by Queen Naija

Characters belong to Pixelberry; MC Ella Brooks belongs to me

A/N: The entire idea for this came from @burnsoslow​ and her unBEARable series. RAMifications is the story of how Ella met the love of her life Prince (and then King) Liam of Cordonia.

Catch up here

Warnings: Adult language

Words: 1498

“Well, well, well, look what we have here.”

“Hello, I’m Ella, and you are?”

“Je m'appelle Kiara,” the dark haired woman spoke in French. “C'est Olivia,” Kiara gestured to the red headed woman.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Ella said calmly, even though inside her stomach was in knots.

“Oui, it’s nice to … finally see you in person,” Kiara arched her brow and Ella could tell she was studying her.

“Cut the shit, Kiara!” Olivia snarled. “I wouldn’t say it’s a pleasure! How dare you come in the middle of the social season! Where’s the other American?”

“Lady Ella! We’re ready for you.” Bertrand called inside the ballroom.

“Excuse me, ladies,” Ella quickly turned from and hurried to take her place across from Ana. Bertrand went to close the ballroom doors since he could see the women peering inside out of curiosity.

“Alright, Lady Ella,” Ana began. “I have a video camera set up to film us. I also have a photographer here who will take photos of the interview as well as afterwards. I won’t be releasing anything without House Beaumont’s approval,” she looked up at Bertrand who just nodded. “Are you ready?”

Ella sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. “Yes.”

“Okay,” Ana looked to her cameraman and nodded.

“In 3, 2 … “ he pointed to Ana to indicate they were recording.

“Alright, Lady Ella of House Beaumont, thank you for this opportunity. The people of Cordonia are eager to hear more about you.”

“I’m happy to be here, Ana.”

“So firstly, tell us a little bit about you, where are you from in the States? What brought you here?”

“Well, I’m from Los Angeles, California. I originally came here for a nursing internship at the children’s hospital.”

“You actually worked at the hospital?”

Ella laughed. “Yes, I was in the emergency room, as an intern. We did not get paid for that. The program was for six weeks and I had already fallen in love with Cordonia and its people. After my internship I decided to stay permanently.”

Ana had a small smile on her face as she scribbled in her notes. “Wow. Okay, so you decided to stay, what happened after that?”

“Well, I found a job so that I could stay as a resident; I delivered flowers.”

“Ah, yes, I know the one. It’s the flower truck in the capital, right?”

Ella nodded. “Yes, that’s the one. They were extremely sweet and were lenient with my schedule since I was in school as well.”

“Oh! You’re still in school then?”

“I had to actually push back school until January after the social season, but yes I attend Cordonia University.”

“I see.” Ana scribbled some more words on her notepad and looked up smiling. “So, how did you end up meeting the prince?”

“Well, I was delivering flowers here at the palace and we ran into each other - literally.” Ella laughed at the memory.

“That’s like a real meet cute!” Ana exclaimed, her and Maxwell laughed. Bertrand arched his brow at Max and Ella and they both abruptly stopped laughing.

“He’s been extremely supportive throughout all of this, just like House Beaumont.” Ella gestured to Max and Bertrand next to her.

Ana nodded and wrote more in her notebook. “What is something you love about our charming Prince Liam? He is the people’s favorite royal.”

“I am not surprised at all by that, Ana,” Ella smiled. “He is ... the kindest person I have ever met. He would take the shirt off of his back to give to anyone if they needed it. His people are important to him as is his country and he wants to do right by them.”

“Well said, Lady Ella. I just have one last question, a question that all of Cordonia has been wanting to know.” She gave Ella a small smile. “The social season is, essentially, for Prince Liam to find a queen.” Ella nodded. “Why do you think you’ll be an appropriate choice? What makes you different from the other suitors that will make him choose you?”

Ella sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. She told King Constantine the exact reason why she was an appropriate choice. She just needed to say the same to Ana, just not as … angry. “I believe Prince Liam needs someone to rule by his side that understands the people. I am clearly not from Cordonia, or have any kind of noble blood in me, however, I have lived among the people. I’ve worked hard to put a roof over my head; I’ve had to manage finances and handle a budget. I know it’s not a secret here in Cordonia that the royal family must marry for a political alliance of some sort with other countries, but …” Ella hesitated for a moment to think about whether she should say what she truly thought. “I … truly care for the prince and I believe he deserves to have a queen as well as a wife. One that supports him as a man and a king.”

Bertrand beamed at Ella’s response; Maxwell grinned like a fool while he bounced in his seat. Ana had a wide smile on her face and nodded, impressed. She leaned back and gestured for her cameraman to stop recording. Ella, Maxwell and Bertrand posed for a few more photos until Ana signaled for the photographer to wrap it up.

“Well said, Lady Ella. It was an honor to meet you, thank you so much for your time.” Ana leaned forward to shake Ella’s hand.

“That was amazing, Ellaaaaa!” Maxwell lept from his chair and pulled Ella from her seat as she laughed loudly. He threw his arms around her and she almost fell backwards from the force.

“Thanks for being here with me, Max.” Ella murmured in his ear. They parted and smiled down at her.

“Lady Ella, that was a great! I’ll get everything written out and contact Duke Ramsford to approve it.”

Ella looked at Bertrand who cleared his throat before speaking. “Thank you, Ana, that would be wonderful.”

Ana had the crew pack up and Bertrand showed them out. Max and Ella decided to change and get ready for dinner. As soon as they exited the ballroom, they saw Liam and Constantine walking down the stairs. He caught her eye and quickly winked, flashing a small smile in her direction. Ella blushed and smiled back as she headed to her room.

**

After deciding to have a movie night instead of dinner in the stuffy dining room, Maxwell and Ella raided the kitchen and snuck back to her room with their spoils.

“I got the Doritos!” Max shoved a whole chip in his mouth enthusiastically.

“You and those chips,” Ella laughed. “What movie do you wanna watch?” She tossed some kettle corn into her mouth and washed it down with some Cordonian apple juice.

“You pick! Here.” He handed her the remote and Ella clicked through the selection on the smart tv and found one of her favorites.

“Ooh! A rom-com! How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days!”

Maxwell scrunched his nose up. “I haven’t seen that one. Why is she purposely trying to lose him? What kind of rom-com is that?”

Ella let out a loud laugh. “Just watch. You’ll love it.”

True to her word, he did love it. He loved it so much he now had a mini crush on Kate Hudson and vowed that they would watch every movie she starred in. Just as the night was winding down, Ella got an alert on her phone. Seeing who it was, she grinned.

Liam: Hey gorgeous.

Ella: Hey you! Thought you’d be busy tonight.

Liam: Just finished up some meetings with my father. Can I see you? I just wanted to come say goodnight.

Ella: If you have a moment. I’ll be in my room.

Liam: On my way

“What? Why are you so happy?”

“Liam is going to stop by.” She felt her neck start to get warm and her cheeks flush.

“Aww sookie sookie now!” Maxwell waggled his eyebrows and laughed. “Well, I think I’ll take all of my junk food and meander over to my room.” He stood to gather the chips, chocolate, juice and popcorn.

“Max! You don’t have to leave. He just wants to say goodnight.” She snatched the bag of kettle corn from him and started pour some in her mouth.

Maxwell snickered. “You and I both know … that’s not what’s gonna go down tonight.” He gave her the side eye and smirked at her facial expression.

She choked on some popcorn. “I don’t … what do you mean?” Ella stuttered.

Before Max could retort, there was a soft knock on the door.

“I wonder who that could be?” He gave her a knowing look as Ella just rolled her eyes. Maxwell flew over to open the door and there stood Liam with a smile on his face.

“Hello - oh! Hi Max.” Liam rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks turned a slight pink as he sheepishly smiled at him.

“Liam! What. A. Surprise.” Maxwell tried to plaster on a shocked look on his face but instead, he gave his longtime friend a big grin. “I was just leaving. Byeeee Ellaaaaa!” He called over his shoulder as he bounced out of the room with all the snacks and pushed Liam inside.

[spine-buster]

The President Wears Prada (William Nylander) | Chapter 23

A/N:  *sings* Taaaake me to church...

February 25th, 2020

Aberdeen Bloom was officially 22 years old.  

Despite all the events of yesterday, she was happy.  She had a few texts from friends and some Instagram notifications already waiting for her when she woke up, and they put her in a good mood.  Her parents called her as she was putting on her makeup, and talked to her until she left to get breakfast downstairs.  She already knew she would FaceTime Siena after practice when they got back to the hotel.

When she got downstairs to the continental breakfast, some of the guys were already there, and she knew everyone else was on their way.  Jake was already there, wishing her a happy birthday at the scrambled eggs.  Mitch was there too, who poured her some orange juice as he wished her a happy birthday as well.  Jason said she should be sitting down at the table while everyone else got her the food she wanted.  She giggled.

Willy and Kappy arrived together.  Kappy wished her a quick happy birthday before he started to get his food.  Willy lingered by her.  “You talk to your parents yet?”

“They called me this morning, yeah.”

“Siena?”

“We’re FaceTiming after practice.”

William nodded his head understandingly.  “Happy birthday,” he smiled softly.

She smiled equally as softly.  “Thanks.”

“You gonna be blasting that Taylor Swift song or what?” Travis Dermott asked he appeared beside them, plate piled high with scrambled eggs and bacon.  “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling twenty-twoooOooOOOooo!” he sang aloud in a horrible high-pitched voice, definitely trying to mimic Taylor Swift but of course failing miserably.

William set down his plate and put his hands over his hears dramatically.  Travis began dancing while trying not to have the bacon spill over his plate.  Aberdeen couldn’t help but laugh.  “Were you doing that when you turned 22?” she asked.

“You bet!  That song was on a 24 hour loop,” he smiled.

“Poor Kat.”

“She lived.  So what’s your birthday wish?”

“For you guys to win tonight,” she winked.

“We can make that happen,” he winked back.  “Can’t we, Willy?”

“My ear drums burst after your awful singing.  What did you say?”

“I said WE CAN WIN TONIGHT, CAN’T WE?” he yelled so loud other patrons in the eating area looked towards them.  

Aberdeen shielded her face and William turned completely around so they couldn’t see his face.  “You’re the worst, pal,” William said to Travis.  “And by the way,” he shifted focus to Aberdeen, “we’re definitely winning the game tonight.  For you and only you.  Bust also so that we don’t have to hear any more of that.”

***

“Did the boys promise you they’d win for your birthday?” Brendan asked Aberdeen as they walked together through the halls to their box for the game.  

“They did,” she nodded.  “This morning at breakfast.”

“Think they’ll be able to do it?” he asked.  They both flashed their credentials to the security guard who let them through easily.  Aberdeen could even see Kyle down at the other end of the hallway waiting.  

She shrugged her shoulders.  “I hope so.  It would be kind of nice.”

“No hoping,” Brendan shook his head.  “Do you have faith they can win the game tonight for your birthday?” he asked again, his voice sterner.

“Yes,” she answered automatically, nodding her head.  She did have faith in them.  She had faith that William would probably show off tonight like he showed off when Siena was in the building in Ottawa, but she wasn’t exactly going to vocalize that out loud.  “Do you?”

He took a moment to think about it as he looked at her.  It wasn’t an automatic reaction like hers was.  “Yes,” he finally said.  “Because I know how much they adore you.”

***

“Look at him fuckin’ go,” Kyle said with a giant smirk on his face as he watched the replay of William’s goal.  It was beautiful.  The Leafs were on a powerplay and he was sitting pretty right in front of the net.  After a feed from Mitch not going exactly where he wanted it go, William ended up sneaking it in between his legs and putting it in the net, top shelf.  Bardown.  Beautiful.

“He just surpassed his dad in goals not even two weeks ago and now this.  Now he’s just showing off,” Brendan giggled, looking at the replay himself.  

Aberdeen watched replay after replay.  “This is absolutely unbelievable by Nylander” she heard the announcer say as he broke down the play and the goal.  She was so enamoured by the coverage and the breakdown and the smile on his face at the end of it that she almost didn’t notice what Brendan whispered to Kyle.

“Think he’s showing off for someone?”

***

Brendan made sure he and Aberdeen took their time walking down to the locker room after the 4-3 win.  He made sure to have his cell phone constantly in his hand, waiting for the right text to come through.  He made sure that when he did, he hurried down there with her tagging along.  

Aberdeen followed Brendan into the locker room.  Brendan nodded at Sheldon.  Sheldon nodded at him.  

“Alright boys!  Everyone get in here!” Sheldon yelled out to the team.  Everyone settled down and came back in the locker room, either standing or sitting in their stalls, their gear half on or half off and their hair still sweaty from the game.  Brendan and Aberdeen were in the back, standing just in front of one of the entrances, making sure not to block Jack Campbell’s view.  “We came back hard tonight.  We showed them what we were made of.  We held them off in the third period.  We stuck with our game.  Willy with that game winning goal that I’m sure is gonna be on every highlight reel this season,” Sheldon smiled, and some of the boys clapped and whooped for him.  “It was a good fight.  It was a good…hey…hey wait.  Where’s Spezza?” he asked, furrowing his brows.  “Where’s Spezz?”

Everybody began looking around the room.  Even Aberdeen started looking.  “Spezz?” Tyson asked really loudly.  

Silence.  

And then…

“Haaaaaaaaaappy biiiiiiirthday to yoooooouuuuu…”

Out of the corner of her eye, Aberdeen saw Jason walk into the locker room carrying a giant slab cake, with 22 candles lit up throughout.  It started with just his voice, but as the words dragged on, more voices joined.  She saw giant smiles on the entire locker room’s faces as they sang along, and she immediately covered her face in embarrassment, getting way too emotional.  Even the cameraman that they sometimes brought on road trips to film content for Blueprints was filming her.  

“Haaaaaaaaaappy biiiiiiirthday to yoooooouuuuu…Haaapppy Biiirthdaaayyy dear Aaaaaaaberdeeeeeeeeeen, haaaaaaaaaappy biiiiiiirthday to yoooooouuuuu!”

The entire locker room began cheering and clapping loudly.  Aberdeen couldn’t believe it.  She shook her head at everything that was happening – the cake, the singing, the filming, the shit-eating grins on everyone’s faces, particularly Jason’s and Brendan’s – and blew out her candles in one big blow, causing everyone to cheer even louder than before.  She knew she had an embarrassed look on her face – because she truly wasn’t expecting anything like this – but she was so grateful for the gesture.  Her eyes were even tearing up, though she didn’t know why.  

“Aberdeen, I think I speak for everyone when I say we wish you a very, very happy birthday in your twenty-second year of life,” Brendan began.  “You came into our lives in September, and since then, we’ve grown more and more in love with you, your outfits, the books you bring on the plane…” he motioned with his hands for the guys to pitch in.

“Your no-nonsense attitude!” Jason contributed.

“Your rockstar Halloween costumes!” Travis yelled.

“Your Willy fashion roasting!” Kappy yelled.

Everybody laughed.  Brendan laughed too before focusing back on her.  “From the streets of good ol’ Etobicoke to 50 Bay Street…you’ll always be part of the Maple Leafs family, Aberdeen.  Always.”

Aberdeen’s breath hitched in her throat.  She nodded her head.  Those were some very kind words from a very powerful man, and she knew just how much they meant.  And the fact that he was saying it in front of the team meant so much more.  She thought it would be over and done with, but Kappy and Travis had other plans.  “Speeeeeeeech!  Speeeeeeeech!” they chanted.  “Speeeeeeeeeech!” everyone else followed, expecting it like she’d just won an Oscar.

(Maybe she deserved one, since she’d been sneaking around with William and nobody seemed to be the wiser.)

“There’s not a lot I’m gonna be able to say without crying,” she said, still shaking her head.  She was still very well aware that the cameraman was still recording.  “But seriously, thank you guys so much.  This means a lot to me, considering how much of a family we are here.  You guys, I…I can’t say enough about you guys.  Honestly.  But for how much you might love me, I hope you guys know how much I love you all too…”

The guys began clapping when they realized she really couldn’t say anything else because she would have gotten emotional.  But it was Brendan who spoke and eliminated the feeling by screaming “ONE MORE TIME!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABERDEEN!”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!” they all rushed towards her screaming, engulfing her in a giant mob as she screamed at the fact that twenty-plus men were about the crowd her like she was a fellow hockey player.  The only one who didn’t was Jason so he could save the cake.  Thank God.

“The gift!”

“Where’s the gift?!”

“Somebody get the gift!!!”

Aberdeen furrowed her brows.  Mitch ran from where Jason had come from, hockey pants and socks still on, and brought out a giant box from the back.  He placed in right in front of Aberdeen.  “What did you guys do?”

“We started thinking about it at the beginning of the month—” Kasperi began, but Jason quickly cut him off.

“—Jen and Bee said we should get you something.  But I mean we all thought of the idea of what to get you,” he said, throwing a look towards Kappy.  “John went out and bought it, but like we all pitched in.”

Aberdeen kept unwrapped until she tore a part of the wrapping paper and saw the Louis Vuitton logo on the box.  She gasped out loud.  She didn’t care that everybody in the room was watching her at this point.  “Whaaaaaaat did you guys do?!” she shrieked, ripping off the paper even quicker now.  When the wrapping paper was off and she opened the box, she gasped dramatically.  Everybody had pitched in to buy her a Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière carry-on bag in the damier azur canvas colour.  “Are you for real?!” she asked, delicately moving the tissue paper to the side and taking the luggage bag out of the box.

“You like it?” Jason was smiling at her reaction.

“Now we all match with our Louis Vuitton!” Auston winked.

“Yeah, and now you can’t make fun of my fashion anymore!” William yelled.

“Oh yes I can,” Aberdeen replied automatically, not even looking at him – still admiring her new bag too much.  “Seriously—I—what made you all decide you were going to get me Louis freaking Vuitton?”

“You roasting Willy’s fashion choices, actually,” Jason laughed out.  Brendan laughed too.  “Just thought you deserved something nice too, for putting up with us all the time.”

“I’m still making fun of Willy’s fashion choices,” she deadpanned.

“We figured.”

Aberdeen didn’t know who cut the cake.  All she knew was that she was handed a piece once she was done groveling over her new bag.  She didn’t know when the music started playing.  All she knew was someone took her phone and started blasting her Spotify, and a weird variety of songs came on: “Vossi Bop” by Stormzy, which most of the guys vibed to; “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, because of course; and “(Dancin’) On A Saturday Night” by Barry Blue, which caused Tyson to grab her and start dancing with her comically.  The guys were eating cake and taking off their gear.  The media was still peeking in though their time and interviews had long gone.  She wondered if they got pieces of cake.

When everything was said and done, everybody loaded onto the bus to get back to the hotel.  She still had a stupid smile on her face as everyone filed in, carrying the box in her hands like a party-size pizza.  She put it onto the seat beside her before taking out her phone to respond to some of the last messages she got from her friends, and saw some notifications that piqued her interest.  

@kristenshilton: Leafs are celebrating a birthday in the locker room after their Tampa game.  Cake and everything.  I’m told that it’s chocolate.

@kristenshilton: ‘Vossi Bop’ by UK rapper Stormzy is playing.  Nylander tells me, “It came up on Aberdeen’s phone.  It’s her birthday.  We promised we’d win the game for her.”

Aberdeen Bloom, in question: Brendan Shanahan’s personal assistant.

Aberdeen wondered if this was the first time her name had been put out there by the media.  She honestly had never searched her name on Twitter before so she had no clue.  Now that it was out in the open, what would happen?  What would Brendan say?  Would he want it out there?  She didn’t have the answers.  The only thing she knew was that it didn’t matter right now, because it was her 22nd birthday.  She could deal with it later – if she even needed to deal with it.

She went through her unanswered texts and Instagram messages thanking everybody for their birthday wishes.  Just as she was about the locker her phone again, she opened her email inbox, noticing a few spam emails from sites she’d signed up for.  

But one in particular caught her eye.  She opened it immediately.  

Dear Ms. Bloom,

Thank you for your submission to the “Memoirs” section of Toronto Life.  We have read your essay “Maple Leaf For…Now” but regret to inform you that our team of editors has decided not to publish the essay.  We thank you for your time and submission.

Best regards,

Sandy Miller, Senior Editor at Toronto Life Magazine

She immediately closed the email.  She didn’t need to read it twice.  She didn’t need to dwell on the feeling of being rejected.  Again.  

It was a quick drive back to the hotel.  She followed everybody up to their respective floors and rooms, getting some final happy birthdays before she opened her own door and escaped into her own room.  She put the giant box next to her luggage – she’d wonder how she was going to handle the packing tomorrow.  She took her phone out of her pocket, seeing a text from William already.  

i’ll let u know when i’m coming maybe 20-30 mins?  the guys are pretty hyped and i want to make sure they’re in bed

Ok.  No problem.

brendan was right tonight u know we all fell in love with u from the beginning i hope u know that

😇

She waited patiently yet impatiently.  During the time she was waiting for him, she’d washed off all her makeup, took a quick shower, and even changed into her pajamas.  She debated whether or not she should greet him with a sheetmask on, but then she figured that it was her birthday and he’d probably want to kiss her all night, so she decided against it, even as a joke.  There was no way she’d waste a sheet mask.  

She was sitting on her bed scrolling through her phone when she got the text from Willy.  She prepared herself, and when she heard the slight knock on her door, she practically jumped out of bed and ran to the door.  She opened it quickly.  “Hey,” she smiled, closing the door behind him, even locking it for good measure.

“Hey.”

“What a goal tonight, Will!” she giggled as he got closer, wrapping his arms around her.  

“For you,” was all he said.  He apparently didn’t want to talk hockey – regardless of how pretty his goal was – or waste any more time.  He just began kissing her.  Big, open-mouthed, passionate kisses as he walked them towards her bed, falling on top of it when it reached the back of Aberdeen’s knees.  Like many times before, they were making out like teenagers; they couldn’t help it.  William found her insatiable, and Aberdeen found him just as much, if not more insatiable.  She snaked her hands underneath his hoodie and took it off, leaving him shirtless.  He did the same to her, leaving her topless in her bed.  

“Aberdeen?” he mumbled against the skin between her breasts after what felt like hours of kissing, touching, and grinding against each other’s bodies.  

“Yeah?” she managed to get out, though she could feel how hot her body was.

“Can I taste you?”

“Huh?” she blurted out in the most vulgar way that was humanly possible, completely embarrassing herself.  She was sure William was going walk out the door right now and never turn back.

William snorted.  “Can I taste you?” he asked again, slower, with a dumb smile on his face as he looked up at her.  

“I…I…” her chest began to heave slightly.  “I mean…okay.  But um…I’ve never…” she kept trying to find the right words, but when she thought about what she actually needed to say, it just made her more embarrassed and more prone to stutter out her response.  “I mean, I’ve never had…you know, anyone go down on me before.”

William stopped, furrowing his brows.  “Wait…you’ve…you’ve never—”

“No.”

“You haven’t been eaten out before?”

“No.”

William seemed shocked.  “But you…you’ve had boyfriends…?”

“Yes, Will.  God.”

“So…” he was trying to piece everything together.  “That guy I met, Zane or whatever his name was…he never ate you out in the entire year you dated?” he asked.  Aberdeen shook her head.  “What kind assholes did you date?” he shrieked.

“Arrrrrggghhhhh,” Aberdeen grumbled, covering her face with her hands in complete embarrassment.  “This is so embarrassing!”

“Noooo no no no, come on, it’s okay,” William kept repeating and cooing as he pushed himself back up, one hand placing itself on her stomach to caress the skin there and on her sides while he leaned on his other arm.  “Aberdeen, come on.  It’s okay.”

“Is it though?  Is it really?” she was peeking through her fingers like a kid.

“Of course it is,” he assured her.  “It means I get to be the first one.”  Aberdeen removed her hand from in front of her eyes so she could give him a look.  “Was there a reason why it never happened?”

Aberdeen shrugged.  “I mean…I’ve always been a bit self-conscious about it.  Like about how I’d react or how I’d, like…taste,” she used his own words.  “But Zane said he didn’t like to go down on girls, so I sort of never, like, asked for it.  He was like that from the beginning.  And I felt embarrassed to ask if I was just gonna get shot down.  I mean…I wanted to try it.  He just never would.”

“Did you give him blowjobs?”

Aberdeen knew she shouldn’t be getting uncomfortable, because she was with William and she was comfortable with him and trusted him completely, but it was a direct line of questioning she wasn’t used to.  Though she talked about her hookups or past boyfriends with Siena or people like Kasha, she didn’t go into extreme depth like that.  “Yeah…a whole bunch of them, actually…” she admitted.

She watched as William shook his head, getting angry.  “That guy was a fucking asshole, and I’ll look through every stupid fucking cubicle in the city if I have to so I can punch him in the face for you.”

Aberdeen let out a sigh, running her fingers through his hair to push it back.  “Does that make me lame?  Be honest.”

“No, minskatt.  It does not make you lame,” William asserted.  He brought his hand up to caress her face, and trailed his fingers up to her new scar just above her eyebrow.  He touched it delicately and she didn’t wince.  “Listen…I want to taste you.  I want to make you feel good,” he continued softly.  “I know you’re nervous.  It’s okay.  I promise that I’ll go slow, okay?  And I’ll stop whenever you tell me to stop.”

Aberdeen was nervous – perhaps more nervous than she’d ever been – but she nodded her head.  “Okay,” she said.  

“You’re sure?” William confirmed with her one more time.

“Yeah,” she nodded again.  “I’m sure.  Just…go slow.”

He’d heard her request those words before.  “I will, minskatt.  I love you.”

“I love you too, Willy.”

He began kissing her again, trying to get her as comfortable and relaxed as possible – how she was before he proposed the idea.  They kissed again for a long time, William making sure he could sense her comfortability before he began to move down, running his lips and tongue down to her chest.  His lips left her skin only to take off her pajama pants and underwear, slipping them off slowly at the same time before discarding them to the side.  He could feel her shiver.  “You alright?” he asked.  She nodded her head.  “I’m going to make you feel great, I promise.”

“You better.”

They both giggled slightly.  “Just tell me when to stop if you want me to stop.”

“Okay.”

He continued to kiss his way down her body, eventually spreading her legs open and settling in between them.  He could feel her take a deep breath, so he kissed some more – along her belly button, her hips, on the insides of her thighs.  When he did that, there was another shiver.  “Minskatt?”

“What?” she asked, like she was having trouble even getting the word out.

“Hold my hand.”

Aberdeen looked down.  Seeing his face in between her thighs was quite the sight to behold.  She grabbed onto one of his hands and intertwined their fingers.  She could feel his thumb rubbing her hand assuredly.  She didn’t think the first flick of the tongue to taste her was coming so soon.  But as she felt his tongue along her folds, she flinched slightly out of surprise more than anything, squeezing his hand.  “Oh fuck,” she sighed out, her hips bucking.  

With his free arm, he pushed gently back on to the bed.  “Was that okay?” he asked, his mouth still dangerously close to her lips so that when she spoke, she still felt them move against her.  She nodded quickly.  “Do you want me to stop?”

“No,” she said firmly, her response automatic.  “K—Keep going.  It felt good.”

Aberdeen looked down, only to make eye contact with him before he dived in again.  Her eyes rolled to the back as William continued lapping at her, making her feel better and better with each stroke of his tongue.  Soon, there were no nerves anymore – no worries about how she tasted or how she’d never done this before – and her body was doing the talking, squirming and writhing and sighing, her little oh fuck and oh my god comments the fuel William wanted, needed, to keep doing what he was doing.  He did everything – quick flicks of the tongue, long laps from bottom-to-top, top-to-bottom, and sucking and licking like he was drinking a thick milkshake, making sure Aberdeen got the full experience.  

Her moans were his music.  At one point she had let go of his hand so she could bunch the bedsheets in her fists.  He could hear her huffs and sighs.  “S’at feel good?” he asked quickly.

“God, yes,” Aberdeen whispered, her voice so soft and so full of innocence at the new feeling of it all that William almost came himself right then and there.

“You taste so sweet for me, Aberdeen.  You’re so sweet and it’s all for me,” he said, his voice low and full of lust and Aberdeen almost came right then and there.

“Fuuuuuuuuuuck, Willy,” she couldn’t say much more.  When he lapped at her with his flat tongue immediately after, she instinctively went to grab and tug on his hair.  He’d made it a personal goal that he would make her come with just his tongue, and his groan in response and the vibration from it made her whimper.  “Willy—I—Willy—”

He did it again, and she cried out.  With his face so firmly planted on her pussy and with her tugging at his hair and making sure he stayed down there, the feeling was almost too much, but she knew she wanted him to keep going.  She knew she wanted the build-up.  She knew she wanted it to last as long as it could – as long as was physically possible for Willy – because this was, perhaps, the best feeling she’d ever felt.

The fact she was getting louder made Willy know she was enjoying it.  She’d moved on from squirms to moans, and now from moans to audible cries, words frantic and scarcely used but enough so that he knew he was doing a good job and she wanted him to keep going.  He kept up his movements so he could keep hearing her, the tugging of his hair bringing him the same kind of pleasure as he was currently giving her.  

Then Aberdeen went a bit quiet.  William didn’t like that.  He looked up at her as he was still licking and noticed she was staring up at the ceiling.  He squeezed her hand to get her attention.  “You okay?”

She looked down and saw how wet his lips were – how her juices were all over his mouth, really, and she could have fucking cried.  It was one of the hottest things she’d ever seen.  “I feel really close,” she whispered, her voice strained.  She’d been moaning and crying out for so long that he was surprised she even had one left.  “I—fuck Willy—I feel so close.”

William wanted to make sure any part of her that was still holding back – if there was any left – didn’t hold back at all.  He made sure he was making eye contact with her.  “Come all over my face Aberdeen.  Come for me.  Now.”

Aberdeen had never been so turned on.   He lapped and sucked once more and within seconds she was a screaming, writhing mess.  She couldn’t be quiet.  It was impossible.  As her orgasm overcame her, flooding her entire body with pleasure, she tried to stop her legs from clamping together and squeezing William’s head in between her thighs.  He didn’t care.  William moved with each squirm, each scream, each buck of the hips, never once taking his mouth off her pussy as she came long and hard and completely, not once.  She screamed and huffed and moaned until she couldn’t anymore, until her throat was dry.  When she felt herself finally coming down from her orgasm – earth-shattering orgasm, really, if we’re being specific – she looked down at saw William already looking at her, smiling, her juices all over his lips and face, and she knew it was a sight that would be permanently etched in her mind.  

When Aberdeen regained basic consciousness, she could feel William kissing the insides of her thighs again as he was chuckling slightly.  He kissed his way back up to her, and when his lips landed on hers, she let out her last moan she had in her as she tasted herself on his lips.  “You taste incredible,” he said once they finished kissing, looking right into her eyes as he licked his lips.

“I can’t believe that was what I was missing this entire time,” she said.  “Zane’s a fucking asshole.”

William chuckled louder this time, nuzzling himself into her neck as he placed light butterfly kisses there.  “I told you,” he said.  “It felt good for you?”

She nodded.  “It felt incredible.  I’m serious.  You’re going to turn me into one of those nymphomaniacs.”

“What did you like the most?”

“All of it,” she said immediately, because it was true.  There was absolutely nothing that she didn’t like.  As she felt his body rest beside hers, his lips still lingering on the skin of her neck, she could feel his erection.  She turned a bit so she could look him in the eye, kissing him quickly.  “D’you want me to take care of that?”

“No no,” he shook his head.  She didn’t understand, especially since he was rock hard.  She couldn’t believe him going down on her made him so aroused.  “This is all about you.  I’ll take care of it.”

“Willy—”

“It’s okay, minskatt.  I’ll take care of it,” he said, giving her a kiss before rolling over and getting off the bed.  She watched as he disappeared into the washroom and closed the door behind him.  She couldn’t think of anything else to do, laying in the bed completely naked thinking about what had just happened, until she thought to grab her underwear and put them back on.  She kept herself topless though, as maybe a little treat to William, as she went back to thinking about the feeling of his tongue on her folds, shivering as she remembered.

William was in there for a while before he came back out, seemingly having taken care of it, and climbed back into bed with her.  He placed kisses on her breasts and nipples before moving to her neck and finally her lips, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closed against his body.  He was topless, too, but kept his boxers on.  “I love you, minskatt,” he whispered.

“I love you too Willy,” she said, his body heat and warmth she felt lulling her to sleep so quickly.  “Thank you for being my first for that.”

He smiled.  “The pleasure was all mine.  Go to sleep, minskatt.  Go to sleep.”

***

The next morning, William was still in bed with Aberdeen.  They’d hardly moved, limbs still intertwined and still holding on to each other like the other would float away.  Aberdeen woke up first, her eyes gently opening, noticing and appreciating how close she was to Will.  Instinctively – really, she couldn’t help herself – she brought a hand up to his face, barely touching it with her fingertips.  The stubble along his jawline and cheeks.  The curve of his perfect nose.  His soft, sweet lips.  He was truly so beautiful.  She couldn’t believe he was hers.  She couldn’t believe she was his.  It was a magical thing to wake up in William Nylander’s arms, knowing that he loved her, and knowing that she loved him.  

He shifted slightly, letting her know he was awake – or at least waking up.  “Minskatt?” he mumbled, barely audible, before he even opened his eyes.

“I’m right here,” she said in an equally soft voice.  

He opened his eyes.  He smiled sleepily once he saw how close they were and sighed contently.  “I dreamt we were in Sweden,” he whispered.

Aberdeen felt a shiver run up her spine.  “Yeah?”

He nodded.  “My family was there.  My sisters loved you.  Alex too.  You were sitting by the lake at our house in the country,” he said.  “Your hair was down and you were looking over your shoulder back at me.  It was perfect.”

Aberdeen couldn’t help but smile.  His voice was so soft and his emotion so innocent.  “Tell me more.”

“You had on a pretty dress.  The sky was blue.  So was the water.  We could do what we wanted and nobody cared.  We could be open with our love and it was so beautiful.”

She felt a small pang of guilt at that.  At this point, she knew how bad they both wanted to be out in the open, but life dictated that they couldn’t.  She couldn’t just up and quit her job and lose her income.  They needed to ride out the wave.  It would happen eventually; it just couldn’t happen now.  “I’m sorry that we can’t,” she whispered, caressing his face again.  

“Don’t apologize, minskatt.  We will one day.  You’re still the best thing in my life and always will be.  I’ll wait forever if I have to.”

It was that statement that got Aberdeen emotional.  Here he was dreaming about her in Sweden with him and his family, freely showing their love, but the reality was that couldn’t happen.  Yet he said he would wait forever.  She wasn’t sure about that.  No guy had waited for her before.  “But you’ve been waiting already for so long,” she whispered, her eyes welling with tears.  “Why are you waiting for so long?  Any other guy would have given up and moved on already.  Why haven’t you?”

“Shhh, Aberdeen, stop,” he said, squeezing her tighter.  “Don’t you get—Aberdeen, you’re it for me.  I don’t care that I’m waiting to be out in the open with you.  I will wait however long you want me to, alright?  You’ll always have me.  No matter what happens.  You’ll always have me.”

Aberdeen nodded.  There was nothing she could say to that.  Her heart felt so full at his words.  He’d wait.  He’d wait as long as he needed to.  He loved her.  He adored her.  She was it for him.  “I love you, Willy.”

“I love you too Aberdeen.  So much,” he kissed the tip of her nose.

Aberdeen kissed him on his lips, needing to feel them against hers.  Like always, they couldn’t stop.  “Make love to me Willy…before you have to go.”

He did.  It was slow and it was sensual and it was tender and it was everything she could have wanted, needed that morning in bed with him.  And afterwards, when he had to put his clothes on and sneak out back to his room, he sat on the edge of the bed and kissed her.  “Jag tänker på dig när jag inte ens tanker,” he whispered against her lips.

Aberdeen smiled.  She didn’t know Swedish but she knew those words.  They were theirs.  Theirs and only theirs.  Which is why she repeated them back to him.  “I think about you when I’m not even thinking.”

[hotarutranslations]

Fully Prepared!

Evening Its Ishida Ayumi

 Up To Boy released today,

 Sato Masaki-chan, And Ishida Ayumi are in the magazine

 Its Da—Maa—time from the 9th and 10th generation series

  Maa--,

 Is supppeerrrr pretty right!

 Yeah yeah yeah

 With a shoot that expressed Maa’s favorite song “Fantasy ga Hajimaru”, the 2 shots I had her do with the bubbles looked good!

 → I posted the offshots

 Maa’s face is really symmetrical, since she has pretty eyes and nose,

  I thought a mirror would suit her well

  Also the bubbles were supper cute, It felt like, Maa-chan!! I think all of the fans will enjoy it

 For me Maa,

 Really,

 It felt like a film shoot! its like it was art!

 She took Ayumi photos till she was satisfied!

 The Cameraman gave the ok, If Ayumi’s no good, its no good!

 While saying that, I was able to have a really amazing shoot, Since photography is about capturing a moment, As the appearance will change even with a small movement,

 It was fun to take the photos while fine tuning it

 The photoshoot theme from Maa was, “One Should Learn From Other’s Mistakes” (Tazan no Ishi) it seems, how deep

 By all means, please read about Maa’s ideas, In the interview

 If you haven’t seen either yet, Please definitely check out the magazine!

 Thank you!

  Also, the shoot I had with Sasaki Rikako-chan “CanCam”

 This was also released

  The interview was exciting!

 From now on we’ll be starting Kacho Fuugetsu, Since we talked about it, I think you’ll look forward to it even more—

  That’s right!!!

 From tomorrow, finally, Zoku Kacho Fuugetsu starts

 Look forward!

 During the rehearsals, Suddenly,

 …….I’m looking forward to it

 Some girls were like,

 I’m happy about that, it was relieving!

 Next to me today, Maopin and Rin-chan said it fufu

 Tomorrow is finally the first day,

 I hope it will be a wonderful time

  Thank you very much for your support

 Hello Pro Dance Academy In Season 5 we learning tap dance, And had a collab with s**t kingz-san

 For this next season 6, we are delivering a really energetic performance with everyone from Fabulous sisters

The first episode will air on October 21st, for streaming, please check it out

9.14 Goods

Fall Goods

Today Tokyo Sports note Series updated↓ #32 Lets Do Our Best In Our 25th Year!

Morning Musume '21's Morning Jogakuin ~Houkago Meeting~"

Radio Nihon Every Saturday 12:00AM~12:30AM STV Radio Every Sunday 12:30AM~1:00AM KBS Kyoto Every Wednesday 9:30PM~10:00PM

I'll be in attendance the last week of August and the first week of September

Click here for classes that can only be heard here morning@jorf.co.jp

  See you ayumin ❤

 https://ameblo.jp/morningmusume-10ki/entry-12699547797.html

[storiesforallfandoms]

awkward ~ harry styles

word count: 1911

request?: no

description: after taking a role in a movie that she regrets, she has an awkward encounter with the inspiration for the movie’s source material

pairing: harry styles x female!reader

warnings: swearing

masterlist

(fair warning, there’s some slight trash talking of after. i really don’t like that movie or the books so if you do...maybe skip this imagine)

“And here we have (Y/F/N), star of the new teen romance After!” the interviewer happily announced into the camera.

I tried not to visibly cringed as I waved at the cameraman.

When you’re an actress, there’s this unspoken rule that you shouldn’t regret the movie that will launch your career. And, in some aspects, I didn’t regret After. I made new friends thanks to filming that movie, and, even before the first trailer launched, I was becoming a household name.

However, there was some things I regretted about After...like the decision to star in it.

I took the role of Tessa before I even really knew what the movie was about. I decided to do some research by reading the books, only to become absolutely appalled by them. The relationship between Tessa and Hardin was absolutely toxic, and the books only plot was basically sex. The entire trilogy! It was like reading Fifty Shades of Grey for teenagers. At that point, however, it was too late. I was already signed on to do the movie and I couldn’t back out.

Now, I was locked into trying to talk good about the movie until it was announced that I had backed out for the upcoming two sequels, something that wouldn’t happen until months after the movie’s release I was sure.

I was on the red carpet for an award show and I had already given at least four interviews about the movie. I was starting to get tired of it. Was this how Robert Pattinson felt trying to promote Twilight? That poor man.

“Were you aware of the source material before you took the role?” the interviewer asked me.

I shook my head, giving her the response I had basically memorized at this point. “I wasn’t, actually. It wasn’t until I got the script and it said it was based off of a book by Anna Todd, and I knew I had to go read the books.

“What were your thoughts when you read the novels?”

I thought it was an awful relationships and sex for teens. "It was interesting. The first movie isn’t a super close adaptation to the first book, but I think fans of the original will still like it.”

“Were you aware it was a fanfiction before a book?”

I tried not to sign in annoyance at yet another familiar question. “I found out shortly after reading the books actually. That’s pretty fascinating!”

“I don’t know if you knew this, but Harry Styles is actually here tonight. Do you hope to meet him?”

I felt slight panic swell in me. I wanted to say absolutely not! I didn’t want to have to face Harry after what I had been a part of. He couldn’t have liked the fanfic, it was awful! He probably hated that this movie was being made, not that he could really do much about it considering Anna Todd changed all the names in the book so it could be published.

I tried not to let me panic show as I responded, “As a long time One Direction fan, I would love to meet him if given the chance.”

I managed to get away from the interviewer before she asked anymore questions. I felt like I had to be on high alert now. The last thing I wanted was to run into Harry, and I had a feeling he wouldn’t want to run into me, either. Unless he didn’t know I was here, in which case that would make running into him even more awkward.

I managed to bypass any last interviews and get into the venue. Among the crowded room of people, I searched to see the one familiar face I was looking for. I let out a sigh of relief when I didn’t see him and went on to mingle some of the other attendees.

We were only 30 minutes to show time when I heard the familiar deep voice that I had been dreading all night. “Hello.”

I turned away from the conversation I was having to see none other than Harry Styles stood behind me. I felt my face heat up in embarrassment and I just wanted to melt into the floor. Did he come looking for me? What was he going to say to me?

“H-Hi,” I stuttered, causing Harry to smile.

“You must be (Y/N), it’s nice to meet you,” he said, extending a hand to me.

I tried to remain cool as I shook his hand. “I am, yeah. It’s nice to meet you, too, I’m a big fan.”

“So I’ve heard. An interviewer out there told me that she had been talking to you just before she talked to me.”

I could only imagine what an interviewer had said to Harry. Some of the interviewers on red carpets were vultures, they just liked to stir up drama for the sake of clickbait.

“Is that...all she said?” I asked, afraid of what else might’ve been said to him.

Harry shrugged. “She just talked about the movie some. I avoided those questions.”

I couldn’t stop the groan that erupted from my throat at this sound. “I am so sorry, I hope you know how much I regret filming that movie.”

Harry tilted his head. “Why do you regret it? They’re already saying it’s going to be the next big teen romance phenomena.”

“Yeah, so I’ve heard. Too bad I won’t see it grow after the first movie.” I mentally scolded myself for spilling the beans already as Harry gave me a confused look. “I didn’t sign on for the second movie, or the third or however many they’re gonna make in the future. The first After is the end for me, that’s it.”

“Why would you do that? This is an easy three movie deal, wouldn’t most people kill for that?”

I shook my head. “I can’t believe you’re so concerned over this. I thought you’d hate the whole franchise considering it’s based on a really shitty fanfiction about you.”

To this, Harry chuckled. “Well, I don’t exactly like the After franchise. I’m definitely not looking forward to more people becoming aware of it due to the movies, but I also know what it’s like to try and break into the fame scene. It’s hard, you should always grasp what you need to in order to get to where you wanna go, you know?”

I smiled at this. “I guess you have a point. I’m just glad you don’t absolutely hate me for starring in the movie.”

“How could I hate you? I haven’t even properly met you yet, and so far, you’re too nice to hate.”

I felt blush creeping up my neck at this. I looked away from him, but couldn’t contain the smile on my face.

Harry and I talked for another while until we were being ushered to our seats. I hated to have to break away from him, but I had a feeling I’d see him after the show again.

The award show felt like it dragged on forever. I wasn’t nominated for anything, After hadn’t even come out yet, and I wasn’t presenting anything. I was just there to give interviews on the red carpet and to be just another face in the crowd. The performances were good, and the host of the show was hilarious, but I couldn’t help but wish it would just end already.

When it finally came to an end, I found myself waiting outside the arena for my Uber ride home. I was watching in confusion as my driver went in the exact opposite direction. Weren’t they supposed to have the GPS on their phone working? Where the hell was he going?

A car pulled up in front of me and the passenger side window rolled down. Harry’s smiling face beamed at me from inside the car as he asked, “Need a lift?”

I looked down at my phone, seeing how far away my Uber was yet again, before cancelling it all together and climbing into the front seat.

“Thanks, I really appreciate it,” I responded. “Uber sucks.”

“You didn’t get a ride to the show with anyone?”

I shook my head. “My manager sent for this fancy car to take me, so that I looked good in front of the cameras and such, but didn’t arrange a ride home for me.”

“That’s shitty.”

I shrugged. “That’s show biz, kid.”

Harry smiled and chuckled at this, and I felt a warm feeling in my stomach. Not a bad one, quite the opposite really.

The drive was silent for the most part, just some quiet music playing. I watched out the window as Harry drove, unsure of what to really say or do in this moment.

“You like the show?” he asked, finally breaking the silence.

I shook my head. “Not at all. I thought it was quite boring since I had nothing to do besides talk up the movie I hate to the press.”

Harry chuckled. “Yeah, that’s understandable. Award shows are more fun when you’re not just sitting in your chair for like two and a half hours watching other celebrities get awards for things.”

“You did good, though,” I told him. “Your performance was amazing, you had the whole audience on their feet.”

He tried to contain it, but I could see the proud smile on his face. “That’s what I try to do with my music - something you can dance to and feel something when you’re listening to.”

“You definitely do both.”

God, small talk is so awkward. Why can’t you come up with anything else to say?

“I’m not good at this,” I admitted.

Harry glanced over at me for a moment. “Not good at what?”

“Talking to famous people,” I responded. “Well, super famous people I guess. I chatted with some people tonight who were more on my level of fame, but you’re like...you have your own level. Doesn’t help that I had a crush on you during my One Direction days.”

Harry’s low chuckle confirmed that I had indeed said that last part out loud. I face palmed so hard, the sound of my hand hitting my skin was actually audible, which caused Harry to laugh more.

“I’m such a mess,” I groaned. “Just dump me on the side of the road, it’s my time to go.”

“If I did that, I wouldn’t get to see you again.”

I looked over at him. “You wanna see me again?”

“Only if you’d like to spend more time with me.”

My smile was so wide that my cheeks were actually hurting, but I could’ve cared less. He was actually asking me to hang out and spend time with him? Yes please!

“I’d like that a lot,” I told him.

I was slightly disappointed when we pulled into my driveway, but it wasn’t enough to rid myself of the excitement I was feeling. Harry and I exchanged numbers before I got out of the car and smiled at him one last time.

“I’ll see you soon,” he promised. I was too shocked to say anything else, so I just nodded before making my way to the front door of my apartment.

When the door closed behind me, I exclaimed with excitement and jumped around like a child on Christmas morning. Who knew that the movie I so despised would bring me some good, and not just with my career?

[4haechie]

right here, right now

pairing: lee donghyuck x reader

genre: fluff, idol au, established relationship au

words: 1,782

warnings: the usual swear words here n there

a/n: this was such a cute request, thank u so much! i hope u like it, anon <3 and sorry it took a while :(

hey

come over

i miss you

you smile to yourself, reading the text your boyfriend sent you a billion times, before thinking of something to reply with.

babe we hung out just a couple of hours ago

or did u already forget about our 5yearaversary exclusive movie marathon

you sit up on your bed, phone clutched tightly in your hand, waiting for his answer.

gonna ignore the fact that u just said “5yearaversary”

and i know i know

but the members r all out

so it’s just me... and u 😉

you roll your eyes.

hmm......

i think i’ll pass ❤️

you giggle when he replies almost immediately, his frustration and annoyance miraculously but perfectly being conveyed through his texts.

Y/NNNNNNNNNNN

pretty please ☹️

alright, fine! i’ll be there in 10 minutes, you type and hit send, quickly getting ready before grabbing your bag and heading out the door.

/

“hi,” donghyuck greets you at his dorm’s front door with a big, dazzling smile and a wink.

you scoff at his flirtatious greeting, and step into the familiar living room, then turning around to face your boyfriend. “how is it possible that nobody’s home? not even doyoung?”

donghyuck shakes his head, “i told them to give us a few hours. they’re all out doing their own thing–but i think doyoung hyung went to hang out with renjun at the dreamies’ dorm. they’re practically best friends now.”

you laugh at his comment, walking over to the kitchen and leaning against their dining table. donghyuck follows you, gently holding you in his arms. you’re now pressed against him, chest to chest, breathing him in, savouring this intimate moment.

“why did you tell them to leave?” you ask.

donghyuck pulls away a little to look at you. “our anniversary isn’t over yet, baby,” he raises an eyebrow.

“it’s so weird. we’ve been together five whole years now, but the boys still tease us–doesn’t matter if we’re holding hands, looking at each other or making out, ” you say.

donghyuck laughs, “i know, right? but anyway, we have almost the entire evening to ourselves. what do you wanna do?”

you think for a moment before answering, “why don’t we just spend the rest of the day cuddling in bed? i barely see you these days,” you pause and tip-toe, giving his cute nose a small kiss, “and i miss you.”

donghyuck sighs sadly, “baby, i miss you too, more than you’ll ever know.” he suddenly pulls away completely, bending down slightly to lift you, an arm holding you firm just under your shoulder and the other hooked under your knees. you yelp as your feet get lifted off the ground without warning, so you cling onto his neck for dear life.

“donghyuck, what the fuck!” you exclaim as he leads you into his room, carefully placing you on his bed. he laughs as you huff out a breath, “give me a heads up next time.” donghyuck laughs again and climbs on top of the bed, hovering over you.

for a moment, it’s silent. you’re staring deep into donghyuck’s chocolate eyes and he’s staring into yours. he places his left hand on your waist while the other caresses your cheek, thumb softly tracing your skin. “i love you so much.”

you almost melt right then and there, but looking at your lover’s deep brown eyes keeps you grounded. “i love you so much...too.” you say with sparkly eyes and a dazzling smile. it’s his turn to try and not melt now.

donghyuck lets out a beautiful, melodious laugh and plops down right beside you, pulling you close and completely engulfing you in his embrace. “i’ve always wanted to spend the day with you, cuddling in bed while the members are out,” he says into your neck.

“oh, really? and why’s that?”

“because...the members never, ever, stop teasing me about you.”

you chuckle, turning your body and propping yourself up by your elbow. “i’m kinda hungry. do you have any food?”

donghyuck sits up on the bed, pulling you up as well. “we might have some chips? i’m not sure. wait here, i’ll be right back!” he kisses the top of your head and scurries off to get snacks.

/

he’s back minutes later, hands holding various food items. “alright, we’ve got chips–sour cream and onion, two soda cans and lollipops.” he proudly presents his findings to you and you chuckle fondly.

“better than nothing, right?” you tell him, gesturing at him to sit next to you.

“wait!”

“what’s wrong?”

donghyuck tosses the snacks and goodies on the bed, before rushing to his desk and bringing out a...camera? he walks back over to you and presents it to you. “i wanna record all of tonight–you know, for memories? i can make a copy and give it to you, so when i’m away you can watch it and so can i. so we’ll be together no matter what,” he laughs at the cheesiness of his words. “we’ll be taken back to today, right here, right now, whenever we want.”

you feel your heart swell at his beautiful words, and tears glisten at the corner of your eyes. you inhale, exhale, and stand up to walk over to him. you don’t say anything, just increase the proximity between the two of you by connecting your lips in a soft, slow kiss. donghyuck places the camera on his bed and pulls you closer by the waist. his hands travel up and down your back, causing the material of your shirt to ride up a little, sending a shiver down your spine. his hands feel warm, his lips are plump and sweet, his warmth is comforting and swallows you a whole.

you pull away, “i love you. i don’t deserve you.”

donghyuck looks at you with nothing but love in his eyes, his fingers brushing through your hair now, “why is it that you always say the words i’m thinking of? i love you so, so much. it’s me who doesn’t deserve you, y/n.”

your tears dare to spill any moment now, “god, i promised myself i wouldn’t cry on our anniversary. fuck you, donghyuck,” you say with a small laugh, but you intertwine your fingers and mirror his look of pure love and adoration. 

“i though you wanted to cuddle?” donghyuck gives you a quizzical look.

it takes you a second to realise what he meant. “shut up!” you say, punching his chest lightly. 

/

“smile for the camera, y/n,” donghyuck sing-songs, filming you.

you stick your tongue out playfully before eating a handful of chips. you lick your lips, “sing for me and then we’ll see.”

donghyuck bites the inside of his cheek, “what do you want me to sing?”

“hm...something cheesy.”

donghyuck thinks for a moment and hands you the camera. you’re filming him now, eagerly waiting to see what song he picked. he takes your free hand in his, brings it to his heart and gives it a light squeeze. the gesture makes your heart hammer against your chest rapidly.

five years and he still has the same effect on you as he did on your first ever date.

he takes a sip of water, clears his throat, and begins singing.

can you imagine?

what would happen?

if we could have any dream

i’d wish this moment

was ours to own it

and that it would never leave

then i would thank that star

that made our wish come true

‘cause he knows that

came true, oh yeah

where you are

is where i should be too

he sings from within, with his all; his eyes are closed, his hand is on his heart. there’s no music, it’s just his voice, him, you, and the camera. donghyuck’s voice is so beautiful, so mesmerising, it takes you someplace far, far away. it makes you feel like you’re casually drifting between fluffy clouds in the sky. it’s a blessing, a godsend. donghyuck’s voice is magical, capable of such brilliant things–things you’re still unaware of, even after five years of being with him. 

right here, right now

i’m looking at you

and my heart loves the view

‘cause you mean everything

right here, i’ll promise you somehow

that tomorrow can wait

for some other day to be, to be

but right now there’s you and me

he sings his heart out, sings like his life depends on it. donghyuck’s voice touches your heart, holds it close, tucks it into safety and comfort. it’s a warm blanket on a stormy night. it’s smooth like honey and soft like a feather. but it’s also powerful, confident.

donghyuck never sings off-key, never, ever gets off-pitch or sings off-tune. he’s a professional. right now, in front of you, when he’s singing to you and you only, he sings like there’s no tomorrow. the words seem to come straight from his heart. the camera isn’t designed to capture all of his emotions–sure, it records his voice and all of his facial expressions, but it’s not accustomed to film what he feels inside. that’s something only you–the witness–can do.

you don’t know what’s so intimate, so emotional and raw about him singing to you, but it strikes you. you wipe your eyes with your free hand, causing the camera to shake a little, just as he finishes singing.

donghyuck opens his eyes finally to look at you–not the camera lens. “baby, why are you crying?”

you let out a sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob, and meet his gaze. “i don’t know...there’s something about your voice, i guess.”

“you guess?”

you really laugh this time, which makes butterflies fly around in donghyuck’s stomach. “there it is,” he says with a smirk.

a bashful smile forms on your lips, and he takes the camera from you, pointing it at you again. “so, y/n, will you smile for the camera now?”

you push your hair back and playfully think for a moment. “why should i?”

“aw, c’mon! i sang for you like you wanted me to!” donghyuck protests.

you let out a chuckle and give the camera a toothy grin, even holding up a peace sign to satisfy donghyuck. his lips curl up in content and a hand reaches your face to stroke your cheek gingerly. you lean into his touch, feeling the same kind of warmth from before.

“happy anniversary, y/n.” donghyuck tucks a piece of hair behind your ear.

you smile again, but this time your grin is directed at the cameraman. “happy anniversary, donghyuck.”

( “what do you wanna do for our next anniversary?”

you ponder a little before replying, “we could go to the arcade?”

“this is why you’re the love of my life.” )

[artificialqueens]

Down with the Recipe, Bake from the Heart, 1/10 (Multi) - Juno

Summary: This year’s Great British Bake Off will see some baking for sure, but also a few surprises. Tayce goes into the Bake Off tent determined to bring the winning cake stand to Wales, along with a few Star Baker badges, but her attention may not be on baking for too long as she gets to know fellow baker Aurora, on the same row as her. And judging by the other contestants, Tayce might not be the only one focusing on something other than baking this season.

A/N: This is a DRUK2 group based on GBBO - there are a few ships! It’s also on AO3 with 12 chapters but I will post here with 10 for ease as the first two and last two will are being done together. No CWs for this chapter! I hope you enjoy.

PROLOGUE - October 2021

It had been Cheryl who had suggested a live react to the grand finale of this season of Bake Off, so the twelve finalists could all gather together, watch the finale, and then the winner’s reaction could be captured on film and put on the internet for the whole world to see. Cheryl hadn’t even been in the cast - she’d been on the previous season - but she said she’d become invested in the season and the bakers so much so that she hadn’t wanted to let them go yet.

And judging by the public’s reaction to her tweet about it, she wasn’t alone.

Pip had mentioned in their group chat that her sister had a big town house in the Wirral, and she’d offered to let them all use it as a base for their live watch. Channel 4 didn’t have anything purpose-built for them, and the filming location wasn’t available, so they’d all jumped at the chance. Plus, Liverpool served as a good mid-point for them all - it saved Joe having to go all the way to Dundee or Ellie having to go to Brighton.

Aurora had marvelled at the amount of space there was once they’d all arrived the previous day. The living room and dining area were one, with a dining table probably big enough to fit a couple of football teams at it; and the kitchen led into the room with an arched doorway. The kitchen itself was enormous too, in highly polished white surfaces that Aurora was terrified to touch with her probably-impure fingers

“Bit posh, isn’t it!” She’d muttered to Tayce.

Pip’s sister and her husband were staying away, and they had the place all to themselves - the twelve of them reunited, with just Blu and Cheryl for company, operating a handheld camera with the intention of sending the finale footage for Channel 4.

As three endings had been recorded back in June, with each of the finalists winning one of the takes, the actual winner’s reveal would be a surprise to all of them, including the three finalists, and ensure no slip ups from the production team.

That didn’t stop all twelve of them worrying. None of them had slept a wink, all of them keeping an eye on Prue’s twitter to make sure she hadn’t accidentally tweeted the winner again. But mostly they’d been together, reminiscing on some of the moments from the season that had made them laugh. All the funny moments, all the tense moments, and one or two viral moments loaded with innuendo.

Not to mention everything else that had blossomed in tandem with nature that springtime.

It had been quite a season. They’d started out as strangers, and now they were so tightly-knit that they hadn’t even entertained the thought that they would possibly be watching the finale without all of them in the same space.

Aurora swilled the glass of champagne that Joe had insisted on pouring for everyone, and watched all of the people she’d grown close to on the season, a peaceful atmosphere in the room as they waited for the finale to start.

Well, not all of them were peaceful. Lawrence and Ellie were being their usual loud selves, jousting with wooden spoons and shrieking as loudly as they ever did - but Bimini was utterly still for the first time since Aurora had met them, laid against Asttina’s chest as they both reclined on one of the sofas, while Asttina raked her fingers through their mullet; and Bimini’s eyes were closed, their lips in a sleepy smile.

Aurora felt familiar hands creep around her waist, a familiar chin rest on her shoulder from behind, and familiar lips at her cheek.

“I can’t believe it’s coming to an end now,” Aurora murmured, her thoughts escaping her unfiltered, as they sometimes did with Tayce at this close range.

“Well, it was never gonna be forever,” Tayce said into her ear. “But we’re all gonna be friends after this, aren’t we! The wonders of technology! Come into the twenty-first century, Rory. We have this thing called the internet, and group chats, and phones -”

“We’re not all just gonna be friends, though, are we?” Aurora replied.

“We’re all just besties, nothing more than that. Rory, I’m joking!” Tayce laughed at Aurora’s horrified expression. “All I’m saying is that this isn’t the end - just the beginning.”

“That’s so cheesy.”

“Yeah, but I’m right, you can’t deny that!”

Aurora let her eyes drift around everyone else in the room.

Tia and Veronica who had barely left their corner of the sofa, hands and legs wound tightly together, both with hearts in their eyes and bigger smiles than anyone else in the room as they chatted quietly, simply enjoying each others’ company.

Lawrence and Ellie, wooden spoons still in hand, making the most noise in the room in delighted laughter as they jousted with each other, almost knocking Pip over as she carried in another tray of snacks to lay on the dining table.

Bimini resting against Asttina’s chest as they reclined on the other sofa, Asttina still running her fingers through Bimini’s freshly-dyed mullet, both of them letting out a contented sigh in tandem.

“Yeah,” Aurora murmured, as Tayce held her tighter, “I guess so.”

——

WEEK 1: BISCUIT WEEK

April 2021

Tayce grinned at the cameras as they panned around everyone. She’d given the interviewer her spiel about how much she’d always dreamt of being in the gingham tent and how excited she was to bring the winning cake stand to Wales for the first time in Bake Off history; and a surprising calm settled in her chest, nerves dissipating, at the genuine warm aura from everyone and everything in the room.

At least Tayce wasn’t in full view of the judges right at the front. That privilege was reserved for two people from London, both of whom looked right at home in front of the cameras, although their names were a mystery for now.

It was all very familiar from seeing it on the telly the last eleven years. Immaculate worktops with varnish that shone like glass; the tent walls decorated with bunting and flowers, and the pastel shelves and adorned with china cups; the multi-coloured KitchenAids ready to whisk, fold and anything else - Tayce’s was pure white, while the woman from Nottingham on the bench opposite her had a turquoise one.

Tayce chanced another glance at her; the tight-lipped smile showed a single dimple, and her long blonde hair was tied off her face, but her fingers drummed nervously on the workbench, and she evidently wasn’t as poised as the veneer she displayed for the cameras.

Tayce smiled to herself. It’ll be fun winning this thing.

——

Signature: 24 Iced Biscuits

The best bit of the show when it was on the telly was the banter between Matt and Noel. Seeing them in person, even from a distance away, made Tayce’s stomach bubble with excitement, and she had to cling to the workbench a little tighter to stay upright.

“Well, bakers, welcome to the gingham tent! Back for another season of Prue-Paul’s Baking Race!”

Prue’s sweet smile was complemented by her brightly-coloured glasses and sharp, matching blazer, while Paul’s cool stare lingered on everyone in the room a split second longer than they all would have liked.

“For the signature today,” Matt said, “the judges would like you to make twenty-four iced biscuits. The biscuits can be any flavour -“

“ - but should tell the judges a little bit about yourselves or where you’re from.”

“Where are you from, Noel?”

“Oh, you know, the moon.”

Everyone was laughing, even Tayce; although it wasn’t that funny - but the whole room was dancing with nerves by now, starting to become contagious from the people around her.

“On your marks -“

“Get set -“

“BAKE!”

Once Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding had declared the immortal lines to the room, everyone was scrambling for ingredients from their bags and the fridges.

Tayce was still cringing a bit at the dragon-shaped cookie-cutter her mum had found in some gift shop near the castle in Cardiff. She didn’t understand why tourists would be making dragon-shaped biscuits inspired by their trip to Wales, but for once she was thankful for tourists. Her friend Cara had customised it a little when she’d seen her a couple of weeks ago, by melting the tail with her lighter, elongating it a little, and extending the jaw and ears to make it look a little more ferocious.

“Can’t have people thinking you’re not breathing fire,” she’d said, passing the cigarette back to Tayce, “otherwise they won’t think you’re competition.”

And Tayce had nodded, holding smoke in her lungs half a beat longer than usual, wondering if she cared whether anyone thought of her as competition. After all, it was Bake Off. The last sabotage attempt there had been a national scandal the following day.

The most unproblematic, drama-free show on the telly.

Nothing was going to happen here.

——

“The judges are coming for you next,” one of the cameramen nudged Tayce out of her thoughts, just as she was measuring out her flour, causing it to fly upwards in a cloud “Just a heads up. Oh, sorry love.”

“Right, right.” Tayce nodded, brushing flour from her face. “What do I say to them again?”

“Just … talk. It’s the first episode. Show them your personality.”

“Personality,” Tayce repeated, nodding. “I’ve got oodles of that.”

“Great stuff. And don’t forget to be doing something bake-ey while they’re coming over.”

The cameraman dodged out of the way to make room for the medical team, running to help the woman in front of Nottingham, who had managed to slice her finger on something already.

“Here they are,” Tayce muttered to herself, taking a deep breath and straightening as the judges, along with Matt and Noel, came over to her.

“Morning, Tayce!”

Paul Hollywood was shorter than he appeared to be, and Prue Leith was taller, but nothing prepared Tayce for meeting either of them. Tayce held her breath for a split second, smiling somewhat mechanically to try to mask the sudden heat in her face.

“Bore da, folks! I’ve brought the weather with me!” Tayce beamed, indicating the heaving downpour of rain that was falling outside the tent; and they all laughed politely.

Tayce momentarily stopped concentrating on the judges and noticed the woman opposite her, turning to watch Tayce interact with the judges. And every time she was describing the perfect quality that her dragon-shaped shortbread biscuits would turn out, she seemed to slow her actions, looking up over at them.

The conversation was light, but Tayce could feel the calm authority of both judges before her, making words freeze on her tongue. It only went on for a minute or two, but Tayce was left feeling as if she should have prepared more.

Oh well. What’s done is done.

The ingredients for her biscuits were mixing slowly in the KitchenAid, the gentle whirr of the blades almost lulling Tayce to sleep as she sipped her cup of tea, before she took out the ball of shortbread dough and rolled it out to cut into biscuits.

“Your accent is so nice.”

Tayce looked up from her biscuits, to see the woman from Nottingham had come over, tucking her hair behind her ear, leaving her hand resting at the back of her neck to play absently with the strings of her apron. Up close, the dimple in her cheek was emphasised as a shy smile twitched at the corners of her mouth.

“Thank you!” Tayce stood to her full height. “This place doesn’t look like Barry Island yet but give it some time!” She leaned against the workbench, tossing her hair away from her shoulders.

“My accent is … well, it’s just … northern,” she continued with a giggle. “I’m Aurora, by the way. I’m so bad at names, I’m sorry, you’ve probably already said yours!”

“Don’t worry, I am too. I’m Tayce. And if I forget your name, well - yeah, same.”

Aurora’s gaze lingered half a second too long as she tested the name on her tongue.

“Tayce.” Her smile widened. “Nice to meet you.”

——

Tayce was terrible at names. She had no idea how she was going to remember who all eleven of these other people were, especially as one of them would be going every week - the pool of people getting smaller and smaller until Tayce would be remaining with whoever else was any good out of these lot.

As the day went on, she started to pick them up.

She had to learn Asttina’s for one, because Asttina seemed to know everyone’s name from the word go. Asttina was one of the two Londoners at the front, and was the only one of the group who had made a deliberate effort to come round to all their workbenches to formally introduce herself during the bake itself, her demeanour confident but her handshake gentle and light as air.

“Nice to meet you, Tayce,” she’d said, with a cool smile that reminded Tayce of a Miss World competition. “Looking forward to tasting all your bakes!”

She knew Pip’s name too, on the bench just behind Asttina, as she’d turned up in the tent wearing elf ears, claiming they were for luck. Everyone had been staring at her workbench, where she’d positioned a tiny blue handbag with a red circle in the middle, saying she took it with her wherever she went.

“I had a sesh with a psychic,” Pip explained to them all as a group of them crowded round her. “She’s a bit of a local celeb in Liverpool, Psychic Sally they call her, but - anyway, she told me to look for a sign in blue and red, said it was from me great-grandpa - and the same day I walked past one of those handbag shops on Paradise Street and there it was, in the window, 70% off!”

“Definitely couldn’t have been a coincidence, Pippa,” Tayce grinned, and Pip shook her head in agreement, but she had a mischievous glint in her eye and Tayce wasn’t entirely sure how serious she was about the whole affair.

Ellie’s name too had become familiar, because of the amount of times the show’s medics would groan it when she managed to hurt herself on something that episode. Ellie herself had been quiet most of the day, seemingly a little shy and evidently the youngest in the room; but she’d bounced on the balls of her feet at meeting Matt Lucas, garbling something about her and her brother doing all the impersonations as kids.

The soft-spoken woman in front of Tayce was called Cherry, and Tayce had found that out because she’d pointed it out to everyone when she put cherry flavouring in her biscuits.

“Does that actually, y’know, work as a flavour?” Tia had asked her when she was explaining it to them.

Tia was another name that Tayce knew, mainly because the woman was so tall and striking. She looked like she’d come straight off a catwalk and wandered into the Bake Off tent by complete accident on her way to London Fashion Week, happening to become covered in flour in the process.

Cherry had huffed. “I don’t know, but you eat cherry-flavoured things all the time! What could go wrong with putting it in biscuits?”

Tia grimaced. “Wait. Have you … never put cherry flavouring in biscuits before? Didn’t you practise at home?”

Tayce couldn’t help but feel a twinge of mirth as she watched Cherry chew her tongue, her cheeks flushing, but her jaw set obstinately. “I know what I’m doing. I can do this.”

“You haven’t even practised this bake? Okay. So how late do the trains run from here to Newcastle?” Tayce had asked Cherry, and Aurora had doubled over in wheezing laughter as Cherry had folded her arms.

“Darlington. Darlington, not Newcastle. And there’s been trains there for nearly two hundred years, love.”

That had just made Aurora laugh harder, clutching her stomach and shaking in silent giggles, leaning on Tayce as Tayce had led her back to her workbench and let her wipe the tears from her eyes before continuing with her biscuit dough.

That was the most important thing Tayce had learned so far in the tent. The woman from Nottingham opposite her was Aurora, and Aurora lit up the whole bench.

When the judges had stood with her earlier, she’d cooed about how much she adored baking everything for all her family - making fairy cakes for charity bakes for work, birthday cakes for her family, tipsy cakes for her best friends for their birthdays, or anniversaries, or whenever they were just feeling crap.

From the smile that she couldn’t hold back, Tayce knew that Aurora was the only person in the room who meant it when she said that she loved baking.

——

“One hour break, folks, and then filming starts for Technical, okay?”

The first bake was over, and Tayce’s shortbread biscuits shaped like dragons had gone down pretty well with the judges. She wasn’t sure if she’d had the best feedback, her nerves kicking in and blocking out most of the other contestants’ comments; but she thought she’d done enough for this round at least.

One of the producers herded them like sheep - or maybe cats, judging by how Ginny had gone chasing after a squirrel they’d seen - back into Norton Hall where they were all staying for the weekends while filming was happening. It was a huge, Georgian manor mouse with ceilings touching the clouds, far more halls than were necessary, and so many excessive bedrooms that each contestant had a room each.

Tayce had half-expected four-poster regal luxury as she’d opened the door to her own, twice the size of her room in her flat; but no such luck - it was furnished sparingly, and all the beds were normal. A small double, she noted. Not that she was likely to get lucky with these master bakers, but a woman could dream.

The floorboards creaked as she crossed the room and flopped backwards onto the bed, gazing at the ceiling, the elation sending a shiver through her skin as she realised again that she had made it to Bake Off.

The Bake Off!

They weren’t meant to change clothes between takes unless they’d made a huge mess with the food, so Tayce just retouched her eyeliner and went back down to the communal room, where most of them had gathered back in the group, polite conversations carrying on amongst relative strangers as they sampled each others’ biscuits.

What a surreal scene.

A group of almost strangers, half of their names unfamiliar, and she was meant to discuss baking with them all.

“Alright, babs?” She heard someone pushing a plate in front of her. “My name’s Ginny, Ginny Lemon, and if you don’t like lemon, well - just skip my biccies, alright love?”

“No, lemon is great,” Tayce forced a smile, taking one of Ginny’s biscuits. “Thanks hun.”

“You’re welcome! Which ones did you make - wait, I remember, the Welsh dragons?”

“Now how did you guess that one?” Tayce raised an eyebrow at them. “My mum’s idea, she was like, do it for the Welsh! So of course she found a dragon-shaped cookie cutter from somewhere. One of the tourist shops in Cardiff. Tourists love dragon biscuits apparently.”

“Oh I know love, I know - speaking of weird biscuits, have you ever tried a Worcester sauce biscuit? I don’t recommend it if you haven’t, but have you?” Ginny shook their head, tutting. “Tastes like shit! Waste of biscuit. Waste of Worcester sauce too, though. Anyway, Pip’s looking lonely without me. Nice to see you!”

And Ginny fled from Tayce’s arm, scurrying back over to Pip. Tayce tasted the biscuit, bracing herself for Worcester sauce, blinking with surprise to find it was actually pretty good, the lemon flavour really tasty, and finding she wanted another.

Most of the rest of the biscuits were arranged on a bench at the back. Tayce picked up another of her own and went down the line, eager to see which had depleted the most.

Gravestone biscuits were the biggest shocker for her - two different sets of biscuits were there, iced to resemble gravestones, mostly untouched - but Tayce politely picked up the better-looking of the two and found a lovely chilli kick to it when she tasted. But gravestones weren’t the only common theme - two different rose patterns were there, one set iced in different shades of pink, and the other with a deep red icing. The pink roses were almost all gone, and Tayce took the second-to-last one, enjoying the raspberry flavour, and grabbing one of the other roses to go.

Tayce peered around the room at the other contestants from her vantage point at the table. Most of them had dropped into twos and threes - with twelve people it was bound to happen - chatting amongst themselves, quietly and politely for the most part, although the two Scottish women in one corner were laughing as if they’d known each other for years.

Eventually, she joined Aurora, who was talking to someone whose white-blonde hair and pencil-thin eyebrows looked very familiar …

“Joe Black,” she said, extending a heavily-tattooed hand to Tayce, whose stomach flipped upon hearing the name.

“You’re - on Instagram, that woman -“

“My internet infamy precedes me, but in that case I hope so too do my bakes, and of course my sense of fun.” Joe’s voice was theatrical, her gestures affected; but her smile was warm, and Cherry looked as enamoured with her as Tayce was feeling.

“And who wins the biscuit version of the wars of the roses?” Joe continued, pointing down at the two rose-shaped iced biscuits on Tayce’s plate. “Lawrence, or Veronica? I must say, the amount that Veronica worried about her own bake, that time probably could have been spent thinking up a better biscuit flavour than rosewater, don’t you agree?”

Tayce glanced at Veronica’s biscuit, then up at Aurora. “Does it taste that bad?”

But before Aurora could answer, they were interrupted by “Alright, babes! How’s it hanging?”

The woman joining them had rich violet hair scraped off her face into a bun at the crown of her head, and an intense green stare. Tayce took the hand that was extended to her, finding a firmer handshake than Asttina’s, trying to follow the stream of words from this woman’s mouth.

“I’m Lauren, but you might as well call me Lawrence, that’s all Ellie’s been calling me all day, thinks she’s fucking hilarious, and I’ve not really met any of you yet because, you know,” Lawrence paused for breath, waving her hands, “baking contest, ooh I’m not here to make friends, et cetera, but now that we’re all here and we’re not baking right now, I thought I’d better find out who everyone is! Are you the one who made the dragon biccies?”

“That’s me, baby!” Tayce grinned. “Bore da, bitches!”

“See, I knew you were Welsh, and there Ellie was trying to convince me the dragon biccies were by someone who just really liked Puff the Magic Dragon, she owes me a tenner now - and you’re - oh wait, I know you!” Lawrence wagged her finger at Joe, whose expression didn’t change apart from the slow blink. “That Instagram video!”

Joe fixed Lawrence with a stare. “Yes, that Instagram video; I know that precedes me, but I hope by the end of this competition that can be eclipsed by my culinary skills.” Her voice still kept the throaty drawl, but Tayce was starting to sense her irritation at the association.

Cherry had already offered her hand to shake, and Lawrence took it. “Alright, I remember your name, because you put it in your biccies as flavouring! Where’re you from, do they grow cherries there?”

“No - I’m from Darlington.”

Lawrence blinked, frowning. “Darlington, near Sweetie-shire is that?”

“No, it’s near -“

“I’m joking babes, I’m joking! I know it’s - hey, hey Ellie!” Lawrence stopped to shout to Ellie, who had evidently reappeared. “Els! It’s not Puff the Magic Dragon! Where’s my tenner? Hey!” And she was gone in an instant, Tayce turning to watch her chase Ellie as she scurried out.

“Anyway,” Joe continued, motioning to Tayce’s plate and one of the gravestone biscuits, “I’m so glad you’re enjoying mine! I know my sense of humour is a little … ah, morbid, but I didn’t count on being one of two people with this bake, let me tell you that!”

Joe glanced over to the left out the sides of her eyes; Tayce followed her gaze to Pip, oblivious, making herself a cup of tea.

“She didn’t - like, you don’t think she -“

“Oh, no, not in a month of Sundays! But it’s a strange little coincidence, isn’t it? The viewers will love the drama!”

Joe opened her mouth wide to let out a violent cackle, a sound that might have made a shiver glide down Tayce’s spine if she hadn’t been mid-biscuit.

——

Technical: 8 Wagon Wheels

The Technical challenge was the first time Tayce felt her nerves return in a rush.

Everyone had identical ingredients and an identical recipe, but nothing prepared any of them for whipping the gingham cloth from them all and flipping the instructions over. Tayce ran her pencil down them, her head spinning.

On the first read, she recalled nothing.

Focus.

She took one steadying breath, letting go of as many nerves as she could, and then ran her pencil back down the list, jotting down timings and a couple of notes. They only had an hour and a half; precision was key.

On her right, Aurora was fidgeting with her apron, twisting her hair around her finger, before grabbing as many bowls as she could from the drawers and setting them all down ready.

It almost felt like more pressure, rather than less, having no judges in the room - just Matt and Noel, and they couldn’t really interact with the bakers at this point, mostly just talking amongst each other and having to film occasional silly quips for the television interludes.

You’re not gonna get this finished if you keep looking at Matt and Noel!

So Tayce mentally blocked out everything and anything around her, not taking her eyes off her workbench. Instructions, ingredients, whisk, repeat. Oven, timers, filling, cooling, done.

She barely remembered anything else that happened in the room.

As she put the last wagon wheel on the tray to take to the front, she wiped her brow, took a swig of tea, and then heard the immortal lines.

“Bakers! You have one minute to go!”

Tayce looked around the room. Tia, three desks ahead, was looking flustered, covered in flour from head to toe - a difficult feat when you were six feet tall - and Veronica, just behind her, was rounding the corner to help her move the biscuits over to the tray one by one as she spread on the jam and marshmallow fluff. Bimini, who Tayce was sure had finished about ten minutes earlier than everyone else, was doing the same thing for Asttina, leaning over her workbench and talking soothingly to her as they both moved biscuits around.

On the other side, Ginny was rubbing Pip’s back, trying to help her load wagon wheels onto the tray but only succeeding in knocking the handbag to the ground. Ellie broke two of her wagon wheels by dropping a palette knife on them, her squeak causing Lawrence to turn from her bench and put her hands on her hips.

But Tayce felt an unexpected wave of relief when she saw Aurora finishing her own biscuits right on schedule, stepping back with a sigh, rolling her head and her eyes to the ceiling.

They had to bring the biscuits to the front table, and put them behind their respective photographs for blind judging. Looking at the other biscuits on the bench, Tayce nodded to herself in satisfaction. She definitely wasn’t the worst. The photos were all a blur, but there was definitely one disaster, chocolate and marshmallow oozing; Ellie’s broken biscuits; and another tray with a biscuit missing.

It was easy to breathe a sigh of relief for herself.

“Just get into any order,” the producer said, pointing to the stools that had been set in front of the table, “but don’t sit directly behind your photo. Otherwise it just looks obvious.”

Tayce’s biscuits were second from the right, so she bunched towards the left, and found herself between Aurora and Joe. Joe had pretended to trip over her feet while carrying her own biscuits up, cackling gleefully at Veronica’s pained expression as she watched. Veronica, mercifully, had sat as far from Joe as she could.

Aurora was breathing rapidly next to her, and Tayce gave her a nudge with her knee.

“Chill girl! Relax! It will be fine!”

Aurora nodded, but said nothing, focusing on trying to breathe at a normal rate once again. Tayce could practically hear her heart hammering. She nudged her again playfully, and Aurora nudged her back, taking a deep breath out and seeming to calm from then.

Once Prue and Paul were back, Tayce grew a little sleepy. The judging went on for much longer than on telly, and tent was hot from all the baking and warm bodies, plus Aurora’s knee jogging rhythmically was enough to make her feel a little drowsy. Her biscuits were second to last, and Tayce wasn’t really focusing on any of the other critiques as they went down the line, not even those of the two women on either side of her.

She hated tents. They reminded her of camping. This one wasn’t like any of the camping tents, propped by firm wooden walls and decorations but it still reminded her of trips to the Gower when she was at primary school. And thinking of the Gower made her think of day-tripping to Tenby, where the air was hazy with salt and fresh fish, and the sea was far too cold as they skimmed stones, watching them bounce once, twice, three times …

A nudge at her side from Aurora brought her down from her reverie; blinking, Tayce saw the judges had reached the biscuits behind her photo, looking up expectantly to see who would claim them.

Oh, yeah. It’s the Technical, and I’m here to be judged.

She raised her hand, realising that she’d been in a dream so long that she didn’t even know what place the judges had called her for.

“Tayce - good flavour, biscuits had a good crunch, and the chocolate has set well; it just wasn’t quite filled enough.”

Nodding and smiling, she waited for them to move on to the next person before she leaned over towards Aurora, muttering from the corner of her mouth “Where did they put me again?”

But before Aurora could answer, Paul spoke up. “And in second place, we have -“

“You came third, you bitch!” Aurora whispered, her mouth open in awe, and she looped her hand into Tayce’s and squeezed. “How do you do it? You always look so put-together! Not like - Miss Second-Place down there.”

Tayce glanced at Veronica, right at the end of the line of bakers on their stools, whose hand was raised to claim second place. She was nodding earnestly at the praise, but she still wasn’t smiling, her lips tight and her other hand still quivering a little in her lap.

“That means that first place goes to - Asttina!”

But Aurora hadn’t let go of Tayce’s hand, and Tayce was suddenly more aware of that contact than whoever the winner was, even as she slowly drew her hand away for the polite applause that followed.

“Where did you come?” Tayce asked her in a whisper.

“Seventh. Not great. I over-baked them a little bit,” Aurora shrugged. “I’m never gonna be good at technical.”

——

“Congrats on coming top of Technical!” Tia clapped Asttina on the back as they came back into Norton Hall, and Asttina responded with her winning smile.

“Thanks, babe. I thought you all deserved a taste of what I can do!”

There was a collective amused murmur around the other bakers at Asttina’s slightly smug tone. Tayce grinned, staying silent for now, wondering what the others would have to say to that.

“Oh, there’s more to come, is there?” Tia continued.

“I should hope so.” Asttina licked her lips. “From all of you lot as well.”

“There’s no need to be cocky,” Veronica said, the first time any of them had really heard her speak. Veronica was tiny, with blonde hair and a nasal voice that was louder than any of them had expected; most likely feeling the sting of coming second.

Asttina shook her hair back. “I’m not cocky, Veronica, I just know what I can do. Read the CV, it’s all there! If you want to win stuff, you need to know yourself. Do you want to win?”

“Does the Pope shit in the woods?” Veronica retorted.

It was Tia’s snort of laughter that started them all off, diffusing the vague tension creeping into the room. Asttina’s laugh was only drowned out by Veronica’s as she realised what she’d said.

“Is the Pope a Catholic, does a bear shit in the woods … I know, I know. I mean, yeah, I definitely do want to win.”

Asttina shrugged. “Then there’s no point being modest about what you can do. Let your bakes do the talking!”

One of the producers came in at that moment, motioning for them all to come round, and they all bunched together.

“Alright folks, the day’s filming is done, we’ll begin tomorrow at nine sharp for the Showstopper challenges. Until then you’re free to relax and have a nice time - please don’t go into any areas marked as Private, and no excessive drinking, but otherwise, have a good night!”

“Thank you!” They chorused, clapping for some unknown reason, as some of the staff rounded up the leftover biscuits and cleared them away.

“The filming crew get them,” Veronica explained to Tia, “I asked earlier what happened to them all because I knew we wouldn’t be able to eat them all.”

“You know what this means?” Cherry said, addressing them all from on top of one of the sofas. “This is the last evening we’ll all be together. Let’s all cheers to the cast of GBBO!”

She pulled a bottle of something from her bag, and the rest of them grabbed a mug each, sharing out the gin Cherry had brought, and bringing all their drinks together in cheers.

——

Showstopper: A gingerbread sculpture of a place that makes you nostalgic.

The Showstopper was about as broad as you could get. Everyone seemed to have something different in mind. Bimini and Asttina, on the two front benches, looked as poised and confident as they had all the previous day; and Asttina, buoyed by her Technical challenge win, puffed her chest in pride.

Tayce had practised her gingerbread over and over, but nothing prepared any of them for being in the tent, where the pastel colours and the novelty of the bright, friendly conversations started to switch to a competitive edge.

Especially after the Technical, where they had all been ranked. Having a number against your name now, combined with a vague grade against the Signature challenge, meant the Showstopper was the be-all and end-all for some of them.

That was it Tayce thought to herself, as she watched Aurora’s grim determination pass her face every second.

And she wasn’t the only one.

Cherry, on the workbench in front of her, had come sixth; but she’d been much quieter all morning, concentrating on reading and re-reading her instructions, tapping her pencil against her chin and growling frustratedly every now and then.

Ellie, wearing a pair or Pip’s elf ears, was doing even worse. Being ranked eleventh had done very little to ease the nerves she had displayed the day before, and her morning had already started with another blue plaster on yet another finger.

But Aurora was the only person Tayce was concentrating on. Something about the way she’d held her hand … and Tayce was far too quick to let her mind run away without her, thinking it meant anything, when obviously it probably didn’t.

“What are you doing?” Tayce called to Aurora over the chatter of everyone else around the room; but Aurora didn’t reply, her tongue running over her lips as she surveyed the mess that was the butter and sugar mix before her.

“Aurora?” She asked, making her way to stand by her behind the bench.

Aurora was still silent, but the noise from the bowls and KitchenAid she was using spoke volumes for her without her needing to say a word.

“D’you want a cup of tea?” Tayce asked her eventually, waiting for the curt nod from Aurora before sprinting to the tea station, in a tent outside.

When she got back, Aurora had moved up to Ellie’s workbench, and even though her back was to Tayce, she could see her shoulders shaking and Ellie’s hand rubbing her back, before offering her a can of the Monster she always had to have, the label covered in masking tape to escape product placement.

Tayce approached them both to comfort Aurora too, but as she did, cameras zoomed in on all three of them. Aurora pushed them both away and walked out of the tent, covering her face.

Ellie looked from the camera to Tayce and then back again, confused more than anything, and Lawrence, turning from her bench, looked back at them all with a frown.

“What’s going on here? Is she alright?” Lawrence pointed to Aurora, who was busy wiping her tears away in the far corner, with Matt Lucas at her side and a camera in her face.

“No,” Tayce muttered, “and she won’t be while there’s a lens on her.”

After that, Tayce kept half an eye on Aurora as she baked. She mostly ignored the cameramen as they hurried around the tent, taking stock footage of them cutting gingerbread shapes, using their ovens, and decorating, but Tayce purposely kept her mouth tightly closed, and her expression firmly neutral.

As Noel called for ten minutes remaining, Tayce was finishing the detailing of the roof of the stadium. The band were meant to be playing biscuit instruments and there was meant to be a crowd, but Tayce had settled for calling it a backstage pass moment, where VIPs could meet them, and just made models of herself and her friends.

“Time is up! Bakers, step away from your bakes!”

Noel called time, and Tayce took a step back to properly admire her finished product - and really, she was blown away by her own bake. The gingerbread houses she’d made in practise had gone alright, but this one, even in the pressure cooker environment of the tent, had gone almost perfectly, down to the timing of the bakes.

“Wow,” Tayce whispered to herself, “week one is done!”

She took a few seconds to admire everyone else’s in the tent. Some were much better than others. Joe’s looked a little strange - she’d meant to do a wedding scene with the gingerbread church, but the roof was crooked, and the gravestones falling over, not supported by the sticky sugar mixture they’d all used as adhesive. Cherry’s ambitious building was incomplete, and Tayce didn’t even know what it was meant to be.

But Asttina’s was incredible - a beautiful beach scene with a model of a beach hut and even a Ferris wheel. Ellie’s technical slip up was definitely repaired by the pub she’d built, adding fondant banners inside and making the dull gingerbread colours come alive with her imaginative take on the icing outside; while Lawrence had made a theatre, melting jelly babies to create beautiful stained glass in the windows, something Tayce kicked herself for not thinking of.

They all had a chance to leave the tent for a break, to sit outside in the shelter, and to have a breather before the actual judging of the bakes was done.

“I don’t envy the judges,” Joe said, her drawling voice awed, as she took in all of the gingerbread houses from their vantage point outside the tent. “They definitely have their work cut out for them, don’t they?”

“Everyone did amazing,” Aurora nodded, “it’s just a case of who did less amazing. D’you reckon they’ll just take this into account, or the whole weekend?”

Tayce didn’t know why she was worrying. Aurora had come middle of the pack in technical, but had been praised for her Signature, and her gingerbread house - modelled on her Nan’s, she had said - was so prim and dainty that Tayce knew the judges were going to eat it up, and not only literally.

“It won’t be you, chillax!” Tayce reached to rub her hand.

“Who d’you reckon it will be then?”

“Well, they tend to take into account the numbers assigned at the Technical challenge, and the Signature comments, to make the first analysis, at least,” Joe chuckled, “that’s what we see on the television. Who were the bottom three for Technical? I was tenth, Ellie was eleventh, who was twelfth again?”

“It’s - erm,” Aurora pointed, but the name escaped her for a second. “Tia. Tia was twelfth.”

“It’s probably between the three of us, then,” Joe said brightly, “unless something goes … horribly wrong to one of the Showstoppers. And how likely is that?”

As they looked through the panels of the tent, one of the gingerbread houses collapsed into pieces onto the tray it was set on.

Tayce glanced around the other eleven bakers to see whose it was.

One of the bakers had her head in her hands, shoulders tensed, while the two people on either side of her hugged her tightly.

——

“Seriously, Joe, how did you make that happen?” Aurora’s voice was hushed, tense, after the award for Star Baker and the first elimination had taken place.

Joe’s eyes widened as she shook her head. “I don’t quite know - maybe it was just something, spoken into the universe, made to happen.”

“Or maybe it was just gravity and shitty caramelised sugar sticking it all together,” Tayce added.

“Yes,” Joe replied, “or that too.”

Joe, Ellie and Tia had all survived their stint in the bottom at Technical - but Pip, who had come ninth in Technical, and whose Signature had received mediocre feedback, had laughed behind gritted teeth at presenting her collapsed gingerbread house - “More of an Ikea house,” Paul had commented cheerily - which had ultimately turned out to be too hard to bite into and had sealed her fate. Not even the lucky elf ears saved her from the first elimination.

“I was so sure I was going home this week,” Aurora sighed later that night, back at Norton Hall, where everyone had eaten so much of each others’ gingerbread houses that they all felt ill.

“You wouldn’t have, yours was good!” Tayce rubbed her arm. “Relax! It’s done now. Just focus on next week instead.”

“And I can’t believe Prue said she’d like to try a bit of carpet when they were looking at Ellie’s pub,” Aurora said, shaking her head. “Did anyone else catch that?”

“Yeah, I did!” Tayce sniggered. “They’re so innocent! This is just gonna be a load of innuendos all season, isn’t it? Imagine what they’re gonna say for next week too.”

“Oh, yeah. It’s cake week, isn’t it?” Aurora seemed to perk up. “That’s a bit more my comfort zone.”

Suddenly the door opened, and Asttina was led back inside the area by the cameraman and a producer. Everyone broke into applause - this time genuine, not the muted, polite sound that had echoed round the tent in the technical. Asttina had just given her winner’s interview and called her family, and now wore the Star Baker badge proudly on the lapel of her jacket, her grin wider than the Cheshire Cat’s.

“How did your mum react when you said you were Star Baker this week?” Bimini asked her.

Asttina smiled the warmest smile any of them had seen all weekend from her at the mention of her family. “They screamed so loud that you probably all heard it in here. My mum was falling off the sofa, my dad was waving a wooden spoon, my brother was banging on the floor with his feet - oh, it was great.”

“Well-deserved, babes,” Bimini nodded, and Asttina pulled them in for a hug.

Everyone else was clamouring around Asttina, congratulating her on her Star Baker win this week and admiring the badge she’d won - biscuit-shaped, or at least cookie-shaped - but Tayce hung back, exchanging a glance with Aurora, a glint in her eye; and both of them knew what the other was thinking.

Let’s not cross Joe Black. She might make our Showstoppers crumble.

——

ELEVEN BAKERS REMAIN

[blurry-fics]

Tell Me We’re Okay

Pairing: Tyler Joseph x Reader

Warnings: Angst, profanity

Word Count: 1958

Request: please please please do a Level Of Concern type chapter!

Author’s Note: I tried to balance scenes from the lyrics and scenes from the music video so that I could capture all of Level of Concern! Also, requests will be opening on Friday, so start thinking of ideas :) I hope you enjoy this one! (picture credit)

Your foot tapped nervously against the tile floors. You already had one hand tightly gripped around the straps of your backpack, ready to pull it up over your shoulder as soon as you got the ok to leave. Class was supposed to end nearly five minutes ago, but your professor was still droning on. At this rate, you were going to miss your normal bus home and end up waiting fifteen minutes in the rain for the next one.

“Sir? Class is over,” someone hesitantly said, their hand barely raised over their head.

Thank you, random classmate.

“Is it? Oh, look at the time! We’ll finish this next week. Thank you.”

You shot out of your seat, pulling your backpack over your shoulder as you weaved through the other students who were still packing up their things. If you were fast, you could probably still make it the two blocks down to the bus stop in time.

To your surprise, Tyler was standing just outside the classroom, his back pressed to the plain white wall. He looked up when he heard the door open, a smile instantly lighting up his face. In one fluid motion, he picked up his backpack from where it was sitting on the ground and fell into step with you.

“I was wondering where you were,” he said, a smile still plastered on his face. “I got here like twenty minutes ago.”

“Sorry, class ran late,” you said, as if it were your fault. “Did you need something?”

“Um, I did actually. That’s why I waited out here to talk to you.”

You didn’t have time for his lengthy explanations. “Can you make it quick, Ty? I really need to make sure I don’t miss the bus.”

“Yeah, ok. So, basically, my music professor wants us to film a video for a piece that we wrote earlier in the semester. I’ve been brainstorming all week and I haven’t come up with any video ideas that I like and I’m starting to get really stressed out because we only have a few days left. Plus, there’s this girl in my class - Julie - who already did hers and it’s really good. I don’t know if I can live up to that. I even called Mark to help but he’s out of town this week so he can’t.”

You pulled your hood up before pushing open the metal door that separated the stairwell from the outside world. The sound of rain splashing against the pavement instantly filled your ears, making it more difficult to hear Tyler. He was still rambling on about his project.

“What I’m trying to get at is that I was wondering if you had any ideas?”

“Ty, listen,” you stopped walking for just a moment, “I would love to help, but I don’t have time to sit here and help you brainstorm. I need to catch my bus so I don’t end up stuck in the pouring rain for twenty minutes. I’ll call you later, alright?”

Tyler’s face fell, but he nodded slowly. “Cool. See you later.”

You gave him a quick kiss and turned just in time to see the bus come over the hill up ahead. With rain splashing over your feet, you jogged the final blocks to the bus stop and boarded just before the doors closed.

*     *    *

“Again?” you muttered as the familiar beginning of Tyler’s voicemail played. You had called him numerous times over the past couple of hours, but each attempt was sent straight to voicemail. If you were being honest, it was starting to get a bit worrying.

You set your phone down, deciding to wait another fifteen minutes before you attempted to call him again. It wasn’t like him to not pick up your calls, but maybe he was wrapped up in his music project and didn’t hear his phone ringing. This wouldn’t be the first time it happened, you had lost count of how many times Tyler had missed your calls when he was doing homework or writing music.

Your phone buzzed a few minutes later. Eager to see if it was finally a response from Tyler, you ignored the paragraph you were reading to check your messages. As expected, there was a new message from Tyler, but it wasn’t as friendly as you had hoped.

Tyler: Please stop calling, I’m trying to get this project done.

Y/N: Did you need help?

You tapped your fingers against the edge of your phone, waiting for the little bubbles to pop up and let you know that Tyler was typing. It wasn’t until just after you had given up on waiting and gone back to reading that a text message from him finally came through.

Tyler: I thought you “didn’t have time to sit and help me brainstorm”

“Shit,” you muttered, reading over the text message a few more times as you tried to think of a good response.

Y/N: I was just worried about missing my bus, but I’m more than happy to help you now

An uncomfortable pit settled in your stomach as you waited for Tyler’s answer. It wasn’t like you two to get into fights, and you hated to think that Tyler might be mad at you for a little while. Could you really not have sacrificed fifteen minutes to help him out?

Tyler: You don’t have to

But you wanted to. Without a moment’s hesitation, you stuck a post-it note in your textbook and closed it with a thud. Your shoes were still sitting by your bed from when you had gotten home, so you quickly slipped them on and grabbed the rest of the things that you were going to need.

You weren’t going to let Tyler deal with this alone.

*     *     *

“You’re not my pizza,” was the first thing out of Tyler’s mouth when he opened the door.

“Sorry to disappoint,” you said.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to help,” you smiled. “And I brought snacks.”

On the way to Tyler’s house, you had made a quick stop to the grocery store to pick up some of his favorite things: Red Bull, you weren’t sure how long this video shoot was going to take, his favorite candy, and a couple bags of chips. Along with keeping you two fueled, you also hoped it would let your apology go over a little bit smoother.

“I’m really sorry for how I acted earlier today. It was wrong and I should have stayed and helped you out, even if it meant taking a later bus.”

Tyler crossed his arms, “I was explaining how much of a toll this project is taking on me and it’s like you weren’t even listening to me.”

“No, I know. I should have been a better listener and I’m sorry for that. That’s why I’m here now, to make up for it.”

Tyler pursed his lips and held a hand out, motioning for the plastic grocery store bag that you were carrying. You passed it to him, half expecting him to take it and shut the door in your face. He opened it up and looked through it, examining the contents.

“Apology accepted, you can stay,” he said, looking up at you with a smile.

“So we’re alright?”

“Yeah, we’re ok. Come here.”

Tyler held out an arm and you happily buried your face in his shoulder. The button down that he was wearing was a bit scratchy against your cheek, but you were just happy that he wasn’t mad at you.

“I love you,” you mumbled.

“I love you too.”

“So, how should we start brainstorming?”

“Well, I actually have an idea. Here, let me show you.”

Tyler grabbed your hand and led you towards the basement. Your jaw dropped as soon as you reached the bottom of the stairs. There was stuff all over the place: outfits thrown over the back of the couch, multicolored lights, flashlights of various sizes. The only clear space was right in front of Tyler’s desk, which just so happened to be where the camera was set up.

“What is your idea?” you asked, beginning to slowly tiptoe through the piles of stuff towards his room.

“Since it’s about quarantine and bunkers and all that, I thought it would be cool to make a music video that’s also sort of a home video. It’s actually really nice that you showed up because I needed a second person for the other camera.”

“What about your family?” you asked, suddenly realizing how silent the house was.

“They went out to dinner so I could have a quiet workspace, but that was before I realized I needed a cameraman.”

“That was nice of them.”

“Yeah, it’s a lot easier to film without someone constantly yelling.”

“Zack?” you laughed.

“Exactly.”

Tyler set the bag of stuff you had brought down on his desk and collapsed on his bed. You sat down next to him and slowly laid back next to him.

“So, where do we start?”

*      *     *

You quickly lost track of time as you and Tyler worked on the video. It was surprisingly fun helping him out, doing things like costume changes, helping him with his instruments, or finding the perfect angle for a shot. There were a few hiccups with Tyler not being totally happy with something, but you always managed to calm him down and get it fixed. As it turns out, the two of you made a pretty good team.

“Alright, I just need to add the credits and then it’s ready,” Tyler smiled.

“It only took us…” you picked up your phone and checked the time. It was almost one in the morning. “...seven hours.”

“Hopefully the outcome will be worth it.”

“It will,” you smiled, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I told a friend in my class the other day that I haven’t been this nervous about something since I asked you on a date,” he laughed.

“This project means a lot to you, it makes sense to be nervous.”

“I know.”

You smiled as Tyler typed your name into the credits under the title “Assistant Creative Director.”

“That’s a nice title,” you laughed.

“Maybe one day it will be on a music video for millions of people to see,” Tyler said, leaning his head against yours. “Alright, are we ready to watch?”

“Yes.”

Tyler passed you one half of his earbuds and stuck the end into his computer, which was whirring loudly from trying to run the editing software. You gave him a thumbs up and he hit play.

There was a smile on your face for the entire video. You loved everything about it, from the music that Tyler had worked so hard to produce to the dance moves that he had whipped out for the camera. You were glad that he had a tripod for those shots, you weren’t sure that you would have been able to keep the camera steady enough while you were laughing at how cute he was. There were even a few shots that you had made it into.

When the video finally ended, you turned to Tyler with an excited smile on your face.

“Ty, this is amazing. You nailed the assignment.”

“You think so?” he asked, his eyebrows raising ever so slightly.

You nodded, “I really do. I loved every second of that.”

“Thank you so much. For your support and your help, it really helped keep me calm,” he smiled.

“Of course, I’m always going to be here for you.”

Tyler grabbed your face and pulled you into a kiss. You smiled and leaned closer to him, finally letting the exhaustion from helping him set in. On his computer, the music slowly faded out.

[johannstutt413]

(requested by anonymous)

“And cut!” Click flashed FEater a thumbs-up. “That take was perfect! Should be the last scene for the day.”

The actress stretched her arms behind her head. “Alright! Thanks for helping out with the shoot - I know Nian asking you to direct and record isn’t easy.”

“Eh, I’m used to it. Have to do everything for my channel ‘cept the thumbnails, after all.” Still, the Zalak was glad to hear she’d impressed someone with her work.

“You’ve got to take your gear back to your room, right?” The Ursus went over to help as the extras (led by Matterhorn) took care of the set itself. “Want some help?”

Click shrugged. “I mean, sure; if you wanna carry my bag, be my guest.”

“Thanks!” She waited for the videographer to zip it up before doing just that.

“You know, it’s kinda crazy to be working with you like this.” The Zalak was smiling, unable to withhold her happiness about it. “I mean, I’ve always admired your work, especially your earlier stuff.”

FEater chuckled. “You mean the low-budget stuff? Not gonna lie, those were some of the most fun, because the fight scenes were just straight-up unchoreographed duels and brawls. Good times, honestly.”

“Oh, I bet. Here we are - home sweet home.” She slid her keycard through the reader and opened the door for the actress.

“Wow.” It was clear Click did videos for a living before RI - her desk and three monitors were the central feature of the two-ish room apartment. “Where should I set this?”

The Zalak glanced around the room. “Over by the closet. Are you doing anything after this?”

“Actually, I was thinking we could go out for drinks, if you’re not busy.”

“Wait, really?” This was progressing faster than she’d anticipated. “I mean, I can work on the footage later, so...yeah, let’s do it.”

The Ursus cheered. “Great! How hungry are you, because I could definitely eat right now.”

“Like, bar food, or dinner?” She asked as they headed for the door.

“I guess both?” FEater shrugged. “There’s a spot that does both.”

Click glanced at her phone before nodding. “Works for me.”

“Perfect. Speaking of food, what happened to those meal reviews you were doing for the cafeteria? Did they ask you to stop those?”

“Nah, I just got better ideas for videos...Wait a minute.” As soon as it clicked in her head, the Zalak couldn’t unhear it. “You watch my videos?”

The actress laughed. “Of course I do! Why else do you think I asked Nian to try and get you to run the camera for us? I’ve worked with professionals who knew less about shot composition than you do.”

“Wow...Thanks, really. I mean, I’ve been doing this for forever now, but anonymous encouragement only goes so far, you know?” She hadn’t stopped smiling since FEater had started talking to her, but the praise softened her expression to something more heartfelt.

“Oh, I totally get that,” she agreed. “It’s nice to know critics like a movie I’m in, but it’s just not the same as meeting a fan...Isn’t it kind of weird we haven’t talked before?”

The videographer blushed. “I’ve seen you around, but I was kinda intimidated. You’re a movie star, and I just run a NetTube channel-”

“You run the channel, though! Like, you don’t just walk around with a camera going and talk - you do the storyboarding, the research, the editing, and the after-effects ON TOP OF the filming! And that’s not even getting into doing your own PR, or the fact you actually talk to your comments sections. I mean, hell, you actually replied to a comment I made once.”

“Really?” Click’s cheeks weren’t the only thing turning red now; her irises were starting to change, too. “I didn’t even know.”

FEater smiled. “Yeah, I had to make a secret account so people didn’t hunt me down more than they do...Hey, are you feeling okay? Your eyes look kinda red.”

“They change when I get excited. Heheh, yeah, I’m excited right now, alright.”

“Oh, really?” The Ursus drifted a little closer; they could actually see the bar they were heading to now. “Interesting. Evening, Shane! Table for two?”

The glow faded away by the time they were sitting at a table, but it stuck with the actress throughout dinner even as they started talking shop, going into rabbit holes about little details of this movie or that video, details most people wouldn’t have noticed after five or six rewatches, and laughing throughout. FEater wasn’t just a pretty face or a strong pair of arms, after all - she’d learned the trade properly - so getting to geek out with someone was just as nice for her as it was for Click, who’d already been infatuated with the Ursus on one level and was now completely in love. This wasn’t an actress and a cameraman hanging out after a shoot...this was a date.

Which had been FEater’s plan from the start. 

As she finished her meal, and the Zalak watched with her takeout-box-ready plate in front of her, the Ursus sighed. “This was really nice...We should do it again sometime.”

“Yeah, I’d like that.” Click could feel her eyes start to wander.

“I guess the real question is,” the actress continued, also noticing the videographer’s drifting gaze, “do we end the night here, or take it somewhere else?”

This took a moment for the Zalak to process it; by the time she had, her eyes started to glow again. “I didn’t know that was on the table.”

“You didn’t? Well, I’m putting it on the table now. You’re getting excited again.”

“Ohhh yes I am.” She chuckled to herself. “I’ve got a lot of tech at my place that probably wouldn’t be safe. You?”

Exactly what FEater wanted to hear. “Oh, nothing like that. Ready to go?”

“You mind if I stow this in your fridge for the night?”

“Go ahead.” She smirked. “But if I get hungry in the middle of the night, it’s fair game. Deal?”

Click leaned over her plate, smiling. “Only if yours are, too.”

“I’m not taking home any leftovers, though.” Not that she actually thought that was what the Zalak meant.

“Well, duh.” There was no question where her eyes were now. “You’ve still got plenty to snack on, though.”

The Ursus looked over at the bar. “He’d better get that box here soon, because I’m starting to get hungry again...”

[straykidsftw]

On Track / HHJ

genre: angst, college!au

requested?: yes (anon)

summary: in which, while making a film for a school project, you and minho have to spend a lot of time together, but your cameraman can’t help but feel jealous

warnings: none

_________________

~ {1}

늦었다 / it’s late

너에게 돌아가는 길의 막차가 끊겼다 yeah / the last train back to you has stopped yeah

조금 더 서두를 걸 이 후회도 이미 늦었다 / it’s already too late to regret

“Hey, it’s Hyunjin.”

“Hyunjin!” you exclaimed, “it’s so late! What are you still doing up?”

“You say that like you haven’t just answered my call,” Hyunjin chuckled.

You blushed slightly, stuttering to try and find words before sighing, “you’re right. So, why are you calling?”

“I’m making a film,” Hyunjin said, “for media class. I’m filming and other people from my class are helping on things like sound, writing, directing.”

“I see,” you nodded, “sounds cool.”

“Hopefully,” Hyunjin said, “but, I needed two actors and I wondered whether you’d be up for it? I know you do drama, after all.”

You opened your mouth, shocked and trying to speak, “I– I mean I– I guess I do do drama, yeah.”

Hyunjin chuckled, “so? You don’t have to, it’s totally cool. Oh, Minho’s the male actor, by the way.”

Minho?!

“Lee Minho?!” you exclaimed.

Hyunjin hummed, “yeah. You know him?”

“U-Um kind of, I guess,” you stuttered.

“So, will you do it?”

You’d had a crush on Minho for years. It was kind of pathetic at this point. When you first went to high school the two of you had every class together, and even when the number of classes you had together went further and further down each year, the size of your crush did not. And yet, only a few greetings was the extent of the many conversations the two of you had shared.

So why lose a perfect opportunity?

“Yes!” you smiled, “I’d love to!”

“Great!” Hyunjin exclaimed, “I’ll see you Monday morning, then? Teacher’s given us permission to shoot during lessons.”

You giggled, “why didn’t you start with that?”

“Now I know you’re doing it for me,” Hyunjin said cheekily.

Your mouth hung open as you forced out a laugh and a goodbye before hanging up. Yeah, sure. For Hyunjin.

~ {2}

어떤 이유에서인지 / for whatever reason

다가서지 못한 내가 너무 밉다 / i really hate myself for not getting close to you

어떤 이유를 대서라도 / i should've come up with any reason

이 상황을 막았어야 했는데 / to stop this situation

“Here’s the script,” Hyunjin said, “and this is Lee Minho, your co-star. Read through it together, it’s super easy.”

You smiled, “thank you!”

Hyunjin smiled politely, leaving to talk to the boy holding a microphone, leaving you and Minho alone.

“I’m Y/N,” you said shyly, “nice to meet you.”

Minho smiled, his aura radiating confidence, “nice to meet you. Hyunjin said you were nice, so hopefully working with you will be easy.”

You laughed slightly, “hopefully.”

Minho smiled fondly, motioning over to the desk suddenly, “shall we read?”

You nodded, “that would probably be good.”

Minho chuckled, sitting down and opening the script, patting the chair next to him upon seeing you still in your spot, “come on. I’m nice, I swear.”

You giggled, moving and sitting beside him, hoping he couldn’t hear your abnormally fast heartbeat or see the sweat appearing on your palms.

“Also—“ Hyunjin stopped in the doorway, looking to the two of you, shoulders touching as you laughed and read the script in funny voices.

He walked in, sitting in the middle as Minho furrowed his eyebrows.

“I just– thought you might wanna hear how I planned it,” Hyunjin stuttered.

You nodded, smiling awkwardly, “well, go on then.”

~ {3}

이건 바보라도 알아 eh ya / even a fool knows this eh ya

너만 한 건 내게 없다고 / you're the best thing i've got

다시 널 향해 one more step, I will never stop / once again towards you, one more step, i will never stop

돌아서면 안돼 / i won’t run away

“Hey, Y/N, I was just wondering if—” Minho started, Hyunjin’s loud clap cutting him off.

“Okay! Ready to film?” Hyunjin asked, “last scene, has to be good.”

You nodded, before turning to Minho and winking, “practising extra hard.”

Minho rolled his eyes, holding back a laugh, “you’re such a child.”

Minho’s heart was pounding. How, over the course of only five days, had you managed to encapture him entirely?! Not that you could notice, of course, though the rest of the team had to wonder how dense you were for not noticing the sweet love pouring out his eyes everytime he looked at you.

Hyunjin sighed, clenching and unclenching his jaw, “Felix. Slate please.”

“Okay! Hyunjin’s film, scene 10, take 1,” Felix smiled, clicking the slate before walking away, leaving Hyunjin to film the lines between you and Minho, Chan recording with a boom mic held over your head.

As you spoke, your eyes never left Minho’s. It was terrible. You could feel your heart pounding and you just prayed that he’d ignore the sweat on your palm when he grabbed your hand.

He did grab your hand, but no line was said after that.

You turned around, looking to Minho, before looking down and seeing Hyunjin’s fist tightly gripping Minho’s wrist.

“I’m sorry,” Hyunjin whispered, “I just– I—”

Minho let go of your wrist, Hyunjin letting go of Minho’s as the three of you awkwardly looked at each other.

“You gonna explain?” Minho said.

Hyunjin spluttered, looking from you to Minho before sighing, looking at the floor, “I like you, Y/N. A lot.”

He finally looked up, meeting your eyeline as you stayed silent.

“I’m sorry, I just—”

Minho scoffed, rolling his eyes slightly as he walked straight through the middle of you and Hyunjin, grabbing your wrist and dragging you along with him.

~ {4}

나만 이렇게 그리운 걸까? / it it just me who misses us so much?

너는 얼마나 멀어진 걸까? / i wonder how far you've gone away

우리 함께 할 순간 그 이상 속에 / the ideal moment that we'll be together

너무 익숙해져 버려 일상이 돼버렸는데 / i got too used to it that it became my daily life

“Hyunjin-ah,” Jeongin called, knocking on his best friend’s bedroom door, “I brought strawberry milk.”

Hyunjin sighed, looking to the door where his friend was holding two cartons of milk.

“I used to buy that for Y/N all the time,” Hyunjin groaned, sitting up on the bed as Jeongin made his way in, handing one to Hyunjin.

“Well maybe now it can be our thing,” Jeongin said hopefully.

Hyunjin chuckled at his friend’s innocence, taking a long sip of milk.

Jeongin swore internally. Was he too obvious?

“What do you think she’s doing?”

Jeongin looked at his best friend, trying to hide his pout, “how would I know? I don’t even know her that well.”

Hyunjin shook his head, “neither. I think about that a lot though.”

“What? Not knowing her?”

“No,” Hyunjin laughed, getting lost in his daydream, “where she is.”

He imagines that he was the one to grab your hand. And after the two of you left, you took a visit to the ice-cream shop a few streets away from your school and you both got milkshakes, and Hyunjin made you taste some of his and you got some on your nose and Hyunjin kissed it away—

“Well, she might be with Minho.”

Hyunjin looked at his friend in horror, “d-do you really think so?!”

Jeongin shrugged, sipping on his milk.

Hyunjin groaned, flopping back on his bed. This was the reality. He didn’t grab your hand, and now he was in bed with Jeongin, drinking strawberry milk.

~ {5}

뒤돌아 봐줘 제발 가지 마 / please, turn around and look at me, please don't go

돌이킬 수 없는 실수는 없어 / if you purposefully go further away

더 이상 의미 없는 하루를 멈춰 / i might fall apart

“Hey Hyunjin, isn’t that—”

Jeongin’s innocent words were cut off by his best friend, smacking a hand over his mouth.

“Ow,” Jeongin said calmly, removing the hand, “I’m just saying.”

“Oh shit, what do I do?!” Hyunjin whisper yelled.

“Maybe talk to her?” Jeongin offered.

It broke the younger’s heart to even think of suggesting such a thing, but seeing the boy he loved have his heart broken hurt him even more.

Hyunjin looked at his best friend, “you think?”

“I’ll be round here.”

Hyunjin looked back to you, your hair was swishing slightly as you walked further and further away.

“Y/N!” Hyunjin called, jogging slightly to catch up.

You turned around at the call of your voice, eyebrows shooting up at the sight of Hyunjin.

“Hy-Hyunjin!” you called nervously, “hi.”

“Hi,” he smiled, finally catching up, “it’s been a while.”

You nodded, humming.

“I just—” Hyunjin started, cutting himself off. He just what? Wanted to apologise? Wanted to tell you that he would do anything for you to be his? Wanted to tell you that he should have been the one grabbing your hand that day?

“–wanted to say hi.”

You giggled, relief washing over you, “hi. You alright?”

No. I think about what you’re doing all the time.

“Yeah, yeah, you?” Hyunjin said.

You nodded, “I was just going to Starbucks, do you want to come?”

Hyunjin’s eyebrows raised, laughing slightly in disbelief, “yes! Yeah, that would– that would be nice, yeah.”

“Oh,” Jeongin sighed, watching his best friend walk away, “bye, then.”

~ {6}

시간이 흐르고 흘러도 / even after time keeps passing by

변함없는 간절함이 너를 / this constant desperation of mine

찾게 하는 거야 매일 밤마다 나를 찾아와 / makes me look for you as you come to me every night

“I shouldn’t, I shouldn’t. It’s wrong. It’s not my business. She doesn’t look at me like that.”

Hyunjin sighed, banging his head on his desk as he pressed your contact.

“Hey Hyunjin!” your happy voice rang through the phone.

Hyunjin smiled as he heard your voice, “hey Y/N.”

“What do you need?”

Hyunjin could hear the smile in your voice, and it hurt, because he knew he was about to make it fade.

“I—” Hyunjin sighed, hesitating, “how are you and Minho? Like... what’s going on between you?”

He was right. Even from the sound of the shaky breath you took after his words, he knew you were no longer smiling.

“I don’t even know, Hyunjin,” you sighed, “he’s so tsundere it hurts! I don’t know whether he wants me or not!”

Hyunjin bit back a smile.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t offload my problems.”

Hyunjin shook his head quickly, “no, no! You can rant to me whenever, okay? I’m free all the time. For you.”

You smiled, your heart rate beginning to pick up, “thanks, Hwang.”

~ {7}

더 애타게 하는 너 / you tantalize me more

아프게도 하는 너 / you also hurt me

“God, I love you so much, Jeongin,” Hyunjin groaned, collapsing on the floor, breathless as he took the water bottle from his friend’s hand.

Jeongin chuckled, feeling a blush rise to his cheeks at the words, “it’s just water.”

Hyunjin laughed, “I’m serious, In. You’re always there when I need you, and that’s so amazing.”

Jeongin smiled bashfully, looking at the floor.

“Hey. If I tell you this, you can’t tell anyone, okay?” Hyunjin called, getting off the floor so they were level, and getting so close to Jeongin’s ear that the younger could feel nothing but his heart pounding, “me and Y/N are going so well. She spent the night at mine yesterday.”

Jeongin pulled away quickly, blinking a few times before laughing.

“Oh!” he said, exasperated, “oh. Um, good! For you! Good for you! Well– Well done? Um, I have to go.”

Hyunjin laughed, watching him walk away, “what’s with him?”

Jeongin wiped away his tears as he ran out the park. God, you idiot.

~ {8}

내가 바보라서 알아 / because i’m an idiot, i know

너 없이면 살 수 없다고 / i can’t live without you

“Hey, Y/N,” Hyunjin spoke, his voice dripping with confidence, “I love you.”

You raised your eyebrows, rolling your eyes when you realised he was being serious, “get a new saying.”

Hyunjin laughed, walking over and wrapping his arms around your shoulders, pressing kisses to your temple.

“Hyunjin! I’m here!” Jeongin called.

“Jeongin-ie!” you laughed, trying to break free from your boyfriend’s death-grip.

Hyunjin just chuckled, watching you try to escape, “where are you going, hmm?”

Seungmin looked at Jeongin with a slight eye roll, coughing to get Hyunjin’s attention.

“Sorry,” Hyunjin laughed, walking forward and taking the camera he’d left at Seungmin and Jeongin’s shared apartment, “thanks.”

Since Hyunjin had took the leap to move in with you, Jeongin had to find someone new. Of course Seungmin, within the first few days of moving in, knew of Jeongin’s un-obvious crush. Mixture of sleep talking and alcohol.

“If that’s all, we’ll be going,” Jeongin said, trying not to look Hyunjin in the eye.

“No! Stay for dinner!” you whined, smiling hopefully at the two boys.

Jeongin looked to Seungmin before looking back in your direction, making eye contact with Hyunjin and gulping nervously.

Seungmin grabbed Jeongin’s arm.

“Sorry, we’ve already ordered food,” he said, rather hastily.

“Aw, maybe next time?” you offered.

Seungmin smiled, nodding, “maybe. See you!”

“Bye guys,” you smiled.

“Bye,” Hyunjin said, going back to tickling you with his lips, your giggles ringing through the apartment as Jeongin and Seungmin left.

“Why are you still friends with him?!” Seungmin exclaimed, “you’re only hurting yourself!”

Jeongin turned to look at Seungmin, tears in his eyes as he sighed, “I’m an idiot, right?”

Seungmin scoffed, pulling him into a hug, “kinda.”

[cutietobio]

hi perhaps a cute ushiwaka drabble where reader is stuck waiting for the bus in the rain/snow and he lends her his jacket and waits with her + maybe they share body heat?

I really hope this is what you were looking for, anon! I also hope I didn’t interpret this differently, as I was immediately under the impression that Ushijima and the reader are complete strangers, so I hope this detail is correct. Thanks for the request, I quite like how this turned out.

USHIJIMA

During your morning rush to get to class on time, you had forgotten to dress warmly for the colder weather that would present itself later that afternoon. You weren’t even aware of the forecast, despite the news having played loudly as background music for your daily routine that morning, you were simply unaware that it would be snowing whilst you would likely be out and about in the streets.

After class, you had to run a few errands, completely skipping over the clothing section that would have provided you warmth for your current situation. Thinking back to the coats that you had passed earlier brought a scowl to your face as you further huddled into yourself, rubbing your frozen hands up and down your arms in a futile attempt to keep yourself warm. The bus was late, despite many other occasions where you found yourself arriving just on time to catch it. The universe truly had a sick sense of humour, deciding today would be the most appropriate to lengthen your waiting period before you could get home.

To your demise, snow began falling from the sky, as if it were a declaration from mother nature herself that she had much more up her sleeve to make you suffer further. If it weren’t for you current frostbite, you would have smiled at the sight of the snowflakes drifting in the gentle yet threateningly cold breeze. Instead, you frowned, hoping its slow pace would ensue until you at least got on the bus.

The last remaining heat of your body began dwindling as you felt your teeth chatter together. You gritted them tightly, inwardly scolding yourself to not give in and keep your shaking body together. Unexpectedly, a sudden weight adorned your shoulders, you would have jumped away in fright if it weren’t for the current warmth that engulfed your form. Turning your head, you caught eyes with that of an attractive looking stranger standing next to you before gazing down at the blanket of heat surrounding you. You blushed upon realizing it was his own coat, his layers of clothing now looking thin without it.

Immediately, you made a motion to shrug it off your shoulders and give it back to him, not because you were ungrateful for the stranger's act of kindness, but you simply thought you didn’t deserve it. However, your actions came to a stop at the sound of his smooth voice.

“Keep it on, I insist,” he gave you a court nod in affirmation and you stared at him for a good few seconds in surprise before breaking from your daze.

“I..thank you,” you bow your head in appreciation, looking back up to return his gaze.

“I’m (Name),” you figured it only right to introduce yourself to the kind stranger as you held your bare hand out for him to shake. He did so without hesitance.

“Wakatoshi,” he stated simply before his eyebrows furrowed up and he glanced down at your interlocked hands. You blush, pulling your hand away.

“Sorry, I-”

“Your hands are freezing,” he cuts you off with his sudden observation, the mild concern in his voice willing you to remain quiet out of bewilderment. Just how nice was this guy? He genuinely sounded worried. Your thoughts are interrupted as you watch him begin tugging off his black wool gloves, you reach your hands out in an attempt to stop him before he gets any further but it’s too late and he’s handing both of them out for you. You stare at him in a stupefy.

“Are you sure? You’ve already given me your coat, I can’t take your gloves, too,” you mumble, feeling slightly embarrassed. Wakatoshi was currently just dressing you up with his own clothing at this point, he must have thought of you as dumb to go out in such weather unprepared.

“Your hands are beginning to turn blue,” he motions towards them and you hurriedly observe your outstretched hands, noticing how pale your skin had become and how prominent your veins were. “You’re shaking,” he comments, and you notice then indeed you are. You slip your hands into your pockets, not that it helps to warm them up, but you want to hide them away before Wakatoshi can make any further observations that he may point out.

He doesn’t look very impressed by your attempt to conceal and only takes another step closer to you. This catches your attention instantly and you flash him a nervous smile, noticing that he’s not stopping his inching towards you.

“Wear them, please,” he holds the gloves out for you to take a second time, but you urge the warming temptation away and shake your head.

“I’ll feel too bad, you should keep them on, their yours after all and you’ve helped me a lot already with this,” you shrug your shoulders, giving the motion that you’re talking about his thick coat that hung off them. It had already done so much to warm you up that your body had stopped its shivering and you could talk normally now.

With a small sigh, Wakatoshi slipped on his gloves and you cheered internally at your success in convincing him. At least now you wouldn’t feel all too guilty having stripped a complete stranger from his own warm for your own pathetic sake. You thought that would have been the end of it, but you were mightily mistaken.

“Hold hands with me.”

You almost choke on your spit, head whipping around to look at him and decipher whether he was merely joking around with you. His stoic expression told you differently, he was being deadly serious.

“What?!” you question, finding it hard to form any other words at the moment.

“Hold hands with me,” he repeated, gentler this time, “you refuse to wear my gloves but I’d prefer that you’d keep your hands warm.”

“So..we both get what we want?” you voice his supposed reasoning and he nods in confirmation. You look him over one last time, still unsure whether this was a prank. Wait, that had to have been it. There must be some goon filming all of this right now. You search around the area, hoping to catch the cameraman in the distance, but you're interrupted as warm hands tug at your wrists and lure out your pocketed ones.

You hold your breath as you watch Wakatoshi take your hands into his own, rubbing at them in a gentle effort to warm them up. Blood rushes to your cheeks almost instantly and without thinking, you hide your face in his chest, caught up in your desperation of hiding your flustered state from him. 

You feel him tense beneath you and you’re tempted to pull away and find a shovel so you can dig your own grave but a hand coming to rest upon your head sends your heartbeat into overdrive. His body relaxes against you and you’re stuck staring wide-eyed at the ground, unsure what to do in the situation without embarrassing yourself. 

“This is warming you up, correct?” he questions and you mutter out a weak ‘yeah’ in response, thinking yourself as stupid to assume he had allowed you to do this for any other reason besides the genuine distress to keep you warm. It wasn’t like he was attracted to you, he was just an overly-caring person, which the world lacked very few of. Despite knowing this, you couldn’t help but feel a tad bit disappointed. You had just met this guy, and already his endearing actions had set your heart afire, but then you realized that he had likely done this sort of thing for many other people before. After all, why would he have just offered to help a mere stranger such as yourself?

Once the bus arrived, you had found yourself cursing the world for not delaying it a bit longer. Pulling away from Wakatoshi’s warmth was nothing short of painful as you looked up at him. 

“You’re waiting for the bus too, right?” you question, hoping it didn’t come off as desperate, as you were trying to convince yourself that the moment didn’t yet have to end if he would be boarding with you. To your absolute confusion and dismay, he shook his head. 

You tilted your head, “Then why were you waiting here in the first place?”

“To keep you warm,” he stated simply as if it were only natural for him to spend the time helping out someone he would likely never see again. His words made you smile, but it hadn’t reached your eyes at the thought of losing contact with the stranger.

“I guess I should give you your coat back, huh? A real shame, it’s pretty warm,” you joke, already making the move to take it off. He reaches a hand out to stop you and you look at him with an eyebrow raised.

“Keep it, I’ll get it from you next time,” your mouth falls open to question his words but you’re given no time as the bus driver calls out to you impatiently. Wakatoshi offers a ghost of a smile at your perplexed reaction, watching as you climb the steps of the bus with hesitance, not once looking away from him.

“Check your pockets,” is the last thing he says to you as the bus doors close in your face and your left staring at them in a trance. You slowly make your way to an empty seat, your head still trying to wrap around what had just happened. Upon sitting down, you immediately tuck both hands into the pockets of Wakatoshi’s coat, feeling nothing but a piece of paper in the right one. Pulling it out, you examine it curiously.

‘090-XXXX-XXXX

I hope you’d consider calling me, I would like to get to know you better.

- Ushijima Wakatoshi ‘

You smiled to yourself, your stomach erupting with dozens of butterflies as you continued to read the note over and over as if it were a lover’s poem. The thought that made you smile the most was the fact that his actions had been planned as opposed to coincidental. Unable to wait, you pulled out your phone, adding Wakatoshi’s number into your contact list before proceeding to text him. You had hesitated as it seemed too soon to be texting him, but you pushed your thoughts aside, you couldn’t deny the unspoken connection you felt between you two and decided that not even your pride could come between it. It took a bit of thinking before deciding on a message to send him,

‘If you want your coat back, you’re going to have to take me on a date first, because I’d like to get to know you more as well.’

-

Off in the distance, Tendou lowered his cellphone, having ended the recording once the bus had blocked the view of Ushijima and his little crush. Once the bus had left, Tendou spotted Ushijima gazing after it longingly.

“Waka-kun!” Tendou yelled out, waving his arms around as if his friend wouldn’t be able to spot him on the opposite end of the empty sidewalk. Ushijima looked to his friend, sighing at his antics.

“I got that all on video, she almost caught me earlier!” Tendou yelled, waving his phone around whilst cupping a hand to his mouth to accentuate his voice. Not that it was needed as it was deadly silent out. Shaking his head, Ushijima turned to walk away, but Tendou raced after him immediately.

“I’m assuming all went as planned, you don’t have your coat on,” he noted with a sly smirk, crossing his arms over his chest as he eyed his seemingly disinterested friend.

“All went as planned, yes,” he stated firmly, hoping Tendou would play off his current blush as mere frostbitten cheeks. He should’ve known better than to hope such impossibilities.

“Waka-kun, you’re blushing! I knew my plan would work, you should really thank me. If it weren’t for me you wouldn’t have approached her and then what? You’d probably-” Ushijima blocked off his friend's monologue as per instinct, his mind plagued by the thoughts of you as he walked home. It was colder now without his coat, but the remembrance of sharing body heat with you warmed him up instantly.

The sudden short buzz from his phone willed him to tug the device out of his pant’s pocket, a notification from an unknown number displaying upon his screen. He was slightly confused before reading the message, a small smile now gracing his lips.

[katie-dub]

A Special Day of Mourning

Fleabag Fic

Summary: Last time a wedding brought us together, this time it's a funeral. Still the tragic loss of Godmother in a freak accident involving a falling wall of plaster of paris penises has got to be good for something, right?

AO3

Yes, I’m back with more Fleabag x the Priest fic. Thank you as ever to the delightful @eirabach for reading this for me, when she doesn’t even go here! I love you darling.

15 Years Later

So last time you saw me, I was sending my sister off to go get the hot Finn who was crazy about her after my almost boyfriend the actual Priest delivered a terrifying homily about love at Dad’s wedding to the ever repellent Godmother. The Priest broke my heart when he chose God over me and exited pursued by a fox.

Since then I found love, tried the whole marriage thing, had a child, realised I was surprisingly good at motherhood but less so at being married and am now amicably divorced. I still touch myself thinking about that one night with the Hot Priest who was the first man I ever loved, unless of course you count Leonardo DiCaprio, which I don’t.

Claire and Klare have three terrifyingly beautiful children and she actually smiles constantly now. It was disconcerting at first, but after all this time, I think I’m used to it.

Dad’s still alive and kicking, at 88 years of age. Godmother, however, is not. She passed away in a freak accident involving a falling wall of plaster of paris penises at her sexhibition two weeks ago. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.

Before The Funeral

I walk up to Dad’s house with my Daughter in tow. She’s 11 and has already entered her awkward teenage years a whole two years early. Fucking overachiever.

That’s not to say that she isn’t the light of my life, the apple of my eye and all other appropriate cliches. It’s just that I can finally appreciate how really fucking annoying teenage girls can be. And she hasn’t even started her period yet.

We ring the doorbell and I hum “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” very softly under my voice. If there’s a hell, I’m almost certainly heading there.

Claire answers the door. “Hello, are you ready for this sad, sad, sad day?”

“I’ve brought the champagne!” I reply, lifting the bottle I bought especially. Just to toast to our dearly departed Godmother in the manner she would have wanted, of course.

“You look absolutely gorgeous,” Claire says, eyeing me suspiciously.

“You know grief does wonders for my complexion, I can’t help it!” And if there’s an extra spring in my step at the thought of finally being free of Godmother, well you can hardly blame me.

I deliberately take a moment to compose myself. I do feel for Dad, burying his second wife has got to be monumentally shit, even if he is better off without her.

“Wait,” Claire tugs on my arm urgently, bringing me to a halt.

“Is everything OK?”

“Your Priest is in there,” Claire murmurs in an undertone, her lips barely moving.

I’m struggling to follow her meaning. “What?”

“You know, your Priest, the one you - you know?” Oh. Oh! “He’s in there with Dad, comforting him, he’s conducting the funeral. I just thought you might need some warning.”

I wonder if he’s still hot. “Is he still hot?”

“Painfully hot,” she says with a grim nod and a tone that implies catastrophe. “He’s also still a man of god, so just don’t fuck him again ok?”

“I do have some restraint! That said, he was really fucking good at it. I’m single again, why not hey?”

Claire’s jaw is tight. It’s fun to know that I can still wind her up like this at the age of nearly 50. “I mean it,” she pleads sincerely, “I know I wasn’t around much last time with Finland and everything, but I could tell how much that hurt you then and I don’t want to have to kick a Priest’s arse for hurting my little sister.”

There’s a steely glint in her eye that makes it clear she means it, and I find myself deeply touched. I swallow down a lump in my throat and shrug, an “if you say so” gesture. “Didn’t know you cared.”

She nods. “Right. Oh also, Godmother is in there.”

“Wait, Godmother? Like her body?”

“Yes, it’s a whole art thing apparently.” Claire says “art thing” like it’s an infectious disease. “Transparent coffin. It’s horrendous.”

We walk into the living room, Dad is sat on the sofa, head in his hands, the Priest is beside him, an arm around his shoulder. His neck is still beautiful.

And right where the coffee table should be, a transparent coffin, with Godmother inside, wrapped in some kind of hot pink monstrosity.

“Oh holy fuck,” I shout, stopping abruptly at the sight.

Claire somehow avoids crashing into me and steps around me muttering “I did warn you” under her voice.

I shake myself, forcing my feet to take me further into the room. I drag my eyes away from Godmother, seeking out Dad to comfort him, and I’m greeted by the sight of my Priest’s warm smile turned on me.

He has more wrinkles and his once dark hair is now salt and pepper, but age hasn’t changed one fundamental fact: he is deeply, unfairly hot. Lucky bastard.

And he looks pleased to see me, which I’ll admit does good things to my ego, I may be a divorcee fast approaching 50, but maybe I’m not completely unfuckable yet. Or maybe this is just a genuine friendly smile for a former lover. Either way, it’s a happy surprise.

“Hello,” he says, “I’m sorry to leave just as you’re getting here -” his eyes suggest that this comment is sincere “- but I need to be on my way to the church.” He grips my arm briefly as he moves past me, a small gesture of comfort that nonetheless sends a little shiver of anticipation through me. I’m surprised that even after all this time he can affect me like this. “I’m sorry for your loss, but it is lovely to see you.”

“You too,” I agree, “I’ll see you at the church.” He nods and heads out of the door.

Oh fuck, the church.

The last time I was in that church I was trying to wrestle him out of his clothes. I’ve never been back. Not inside it at least, although I may have dawdled outside it on more than one occasion. And now I have to sit through Godmother’s funeral there, all the time thinking about the way he ordered me to “kneel” in the confessional. Maybe about when he repeated that command in my house and I sucked him off.

I try to distract myself with other thoughts, but the only thing to look at is the coffin. It really is hideous, and not so much because it's a dead body, but that pink is a bit much and the embroidery on it looks suspiciously like - "is that funeral shroud really covered in fornicating skeletons?" I ask, looking to Claire in the hopes of hearing a sensible "no".

"It is," she confirms, her mouth a hard-set line of disapproval.

"Well fuck me."

The Funeral Procession

We didn’t do a funeral procession for Mum when it was her funeral. It was too over the top and showy for her. So of course Godmother insisted.

I’m packed into a car with Dad and Daughter driven by the Shepherd of the Deceased, as the man insisted on being called (I can see why Godmother liked him, but what's wrong with just calling yourself a funeral director?). Claire and her family are in the car behind us. We inch down the roads painfully slowly, surely pissing off half of London as we follow the hearse to the church.

My heart pounds at the sight of the church, a feeling that quickly gives way to confusion as we continue to drive past it. “Where the fuck are we going?”

“Language,” tuts my Daughter, and I’m tempted to stick my tongue out at her. I promise, I really am a good mum. Usually.

“No seriously, haven’t we just gone past the church?”

“Hmmm? Er, wh-what’s that dear?” asks Dad distracted and distraught and I’m beyond bewildered.

We pull up outside an entirely unfamiliar church, and it occurs to me that my Priest must have been moved to a new parish. All this time avoiding his church and he doesn’t even work there now.

I get out of the car and help Dad to do the same. I walk to the front door and that’s when I see the sign: St Jude’s Anglican Church.

Anglican?

What. The. Fuck?

The Funeral

There’s no chance for me to confront the Priest about his conversion before the service, so I sit by Dad’s side during it and stew on this startling revelation.

Anglican. He’s Anglican now, and so, apparently, no longer celibate. Not that he did all that well at the whole celibacy thing while I was around.

Does this mean he’s available? Or did he leave the Catholic Church for someone else, someone who he loved enough to really be with, someone who he is still with now?

I realise this sounds like I spent the past 15 years and all of my marriage pining for an unavailable man, when honestly, I haven’t. But it’s still something of a head fuck to discover that he is no longer forbidden fruit. The possibility of that is delicious, while also giving me doubts about what we ever had.

Like I said, a head fuck.

I can’t help but think, looking at his outfit with its minimalist design, that he must miss the robes from Catholicism. You can say what you like about their beliefs, but those Catholics have got style.

"Sometimes I worry that I'm only in it for the outfits," he'd said that night in the church, the alcohol and desire for me driving him to doubt himself. Well, he proved that wrong, didn't he?

A cameraman zooms in on my face and I find myself looking to camera, startled, before realising that I should probably focus on looking rather more distraught at Godmother’s death and rather less intrigued by the possibility of fucking the Priest again.

Trust Godmother to hire a camera crew to film her own fucking funeral.

The Wake

"I'm very interested in the conflict of my mortality, the desire to cheat death expressed in my pursuit of sexual pleasure with its promise of rebirth," Godmother narrates in her death video. "My custom-made burial shroud is a culmination of these desires, the fabric interwoven with fungal spores such that in my passing, new life springs anew."

I feel a presence beside me and assuming it's Claire, start to talk over Godmother's incessant monologue. "Is she calling death an STI? I think that's almost profound."

"Fucked if I know," a decidedly male Irish brogue replies. I turn to look at the Priest. "Sounds like a load of wank to me."

"That's Godmother in a nutshell," I agree and he laughs appreciatively.

"I'm not sure how those fungi will survive inside a sealed perspex coffin. Don't they need air?"

"Fucked if I know," I echo him with a shrug. "Still prefer funerals to weddings?"

"Generally, yes. You know I believe that we're going somewhere wonderful in the next life. This funeral has given me pause though."

"It's a bit much, isn't it?" I'm not quite sure what to say next, the thing I desperately want to say feels wildly inappropriate.

"I'm not Catholic anymore." I’m surprised by how direct he's been. "I just thought I'd put it out there. Although that now sounds like an awful chat up line, which it's not - "

"Well fuck you then," I say, trying to brush off the hurt of that decisive shutting down of my half-formed hopes.

"If you insist." There's a twinkle in his eye now. Maybe I've misread things.

"Are you propositioning me, Father?"

"You know, I think I might be."

"Mum! Mu-um!"

Of course, of fucking course, kids are the ultimate cock block. The Priest looks awkward, I probably do too. I swear he's trying to surreptitiously look at my ring finger so I use my hands in a way that probably resembles a muppet to show off how attached I'm not.

"Everything OK, darling?"

"Dad's here to take me to his place, says he's not comfortable leaving without speaking to you first." Daughter rolls her eyes. I wish I could do the same.

My ex is so considerate. What a prick.

"Sorry, Father, I have to go talk to my Ex." Had to get in that confirmation of my relationship status, just so he has all the facts. "We'll talk when I get back?"

"I'll be waiting," he says with a smile.

It takes longer than I'm totally happy with to wrap things up with my Ex. Unfortunately he's busy being concerned about my dad and asking practical questions about homework and after school clubs and I can't exactly tell him that I'm a bit busy seducing a Priest to talk.

It takes me a while to track him down when I finally escape, but I find him hiding and having a fag in the same secret corner where we once shared stolen kisses. Honestly I can't decide if it's romantic or a little pathetic that we're back here and history's potentially going to repeat itself.

Hopefully not to the same bitter conclusion.

I pull out my own fag and the Priest offers me a light. Leaning close to his hands I feel the same rush of anticipation I did back then, my heart fluttering at his presence like no time has passed at all.

"So," he starts, then breaks off.

"So," I agree with a nod. "I'm a mum - a single mum, and you're a hopefully single, no longer celibate man."

"I am."

There's a long silence that's almost deafening with its intensity.

"So what made you -" "I'm sorry I didn't -"

We both start speaking at once, stop and stare at each other for a minute then I gesture for him to speak.

"I'm sorry I didn't leave for you," he says, then looks me right in the eye. "I hope you know that it's not that I didn't love you, I just, I needed time to figure things out."

"I know. I knew that then too. So what did make you convert in the end?"

"The sex. I was really, really gagging for it," he deadpans. I snort with laughter, he waits for me to calm down before he carries on. "Honestly it did start with meeting you -”

“Me and my blasphemous tits.”

“Yeah.” He smirks at me, then looks a little sad. “I felt lost after we stopped - after I ended things.” He shakes his head and looks at me, swallowing a lump in his throat. “I was so lonely when we met and you came into my life and we just connected so deeply and I fell so hard for you.”

Oh fuck, I am not prepared for this conversation.

“No, don’t disappear, not now.” He takes my hand and waits for me to focus on him, so I try my best to fight against how overwhelmed I feel and to stay in the moment with him.

“I know that you don’t believe what I do, but I really do believe that God is love. 'Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.' That's what the Bible says. It just didn’t make sense to me that I could be so full of love and that that was a bad thing, something to be ashamed of. Isn’t love meant to be a wonderful gift from God?”

I can feel the tightness in my jaw, a prickle of tears, I seem to have forgotten how to breathe.

“As time went on the intensity of my love for you faded, but that seed of doubt was planted. Not in God, not in Him, but in the word of the Catholic church. A different denomination of Christianity would allow me to marry you, to celebrate our love, there’s nothing in the bible to say that we shouldn’t.”

These words hang heavy between us and there’s a long pause, while he takes a long drag on his cigarette and lets the smoke slowly drift out of his parted lips.

“Over time I noticed more and more of these inconsistencies and one day a teenage boy asked me for forgiveness for falling in love with his male best friend and I just couldn’t … I couldn’t understand why he needed it. I couldn’t in all good faith follow the teachings of the Catholic church and stay true to what I believe.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah.”

“You wanted to marry me? It'll take more than that to make an honest woman of me."

He chuckles. “I don’t know. If we could've dated and my feelings stayed as they were? Maybe. I wanted the option.”

"When did you leave?"

"Four years ago."

"Did you -" oh wow, it's so hard to ask this, but I need to know. "Did you ever think of telling me?"

"No."

Fuck me that hurts. I drop my cigarette to the floor, study it as I stomp down on it to make sure that the fire is out. It’s my way of deflecting from the sudden urge to cry. He gently lifts my chin with his finger, bringing my face up to look at his.

"I knew you were married. Your stepmum said."

"Was she a dick about it?"

"Of course. Still, you were unavailable. What good would telling you have done?" He's right. I was still married when he converted, it was for the best.

"I saw you once with him. Or I think it was him."

"Am I detecting a smidge of jealousy there, Father?"

"Oh fuck off.” He didn’t deny it. “A parishioner had died and I just, I really needed a friend and I thought of you. You just got me so well, you know? I went to Hillarys and you were there in the arms of this man and you looked so happy that I just couldn't ruin that for you. I shouldn't have gone. Not when I didn't know if I could trust myself around you."

"And what about now?"

"Well I'm allowed to kiss you now, I don't need to worry about trusting myself."

"That's true. So do you want to come over to my place for a friendly game of strip poker?" He laughs at me, shaking his head while smirking. "Spin the bottle?" That devilish gleam appears in his eyes. "Seven minutes in heaven - or is that considered blasphe -"

He cuts me off with his lips on mine.

It’s everything I remembered and so much more. Intense, passionate, devastating kisses that drive me to cliches straight out of a romance novel. Pushed up against that wall my heart races, my chest heaves, and, yes, my knickers get fucking wet.

It feels just like it did 15 years ago. It feels like love. And that’s insane, we had barely even started when things ended between us and I’ve lived and loved so much since then. But this thing between us? It just feels right.

My body is on fire, I’m pretty sure it’s in the good, aroused way and not because God’s smiting me for defiling a priest. He’s a tad late to the punishment, if that was His plan. But I’ll happily let this fire consume me because it feels so good. After all this time, I never want what we’re sharing to end. But the need to breathe becomes too strong and we break apart, noses nuzzling and foreheads resting together.

“Can I take you to dinner tonight?” he asks but I’m so staggered by our kisses I barely hear what he’s said.

“What?” I breathe out in between pants.

“Let me take you to dinner tonight,” he says, stroking my cheek before leaning in for another dizzying kiss.

"Oh, I don't know," I pretend to be thinking hard. "Sounds a bit tame, I did have plans with a rabbi for a good hard fuck."

He barks out a laugh. "Oh really?"

"Yeah and tomorrow's my night getting spanked by an imam."

He raises his eyebrows holding back a laugh at what I'm saying and playing along. "What about Friday?"

"Threesome with a pujari and a Buddhist monk."

"What if I upgraded my offer to dinner and if you're really good you get dessert?" He ran his tongue along his lips.

"And what if I'm really bad?"

"You'll have to get on your knees and pray for forgiveness."

It's ridiculous how easily this man can turn me on. Although I have kneeled for him before, I remember the effect.

"I could be tempted to agree," I say, affecting disinterest.

"But you'll have to dump your harem of religious leaders," he all but growls.

"Oh I don't -"

He slams his mouth into mine, pushing me back against the wall, cutting me off with a fierce kiss. He trails his lips along my jaw to my ear. "Please," he murmurs, then kisses down my neck and pushes my collar to one side to suck and lick where it meets my shoulder. That fire starts up inside me again, his mouth almost painfully good against me, driving me to the brink of madness until I'm half tempted to push his trousers down and fuck him against the wall where anyone could see.

“OK,” I pant. "I - I guess I can do that."

"Good girl," he growls into my ear, then pulls away, righting my collar as he does, to hide the bruise he's surely worked into my skin. “We should probably get back before they start looking for us.”

And he steps back from me, innocent smirk on his face.

"I'm going to make you pay for that," I say, trying to sound commanding, although I'm so breathless that the effect is lost.

"Oh please do," he says with a grin.

We head back towards the party and one important thing occurs to me. “If you’re Anglican now, why did you do Godmother’s funeral? Isn't she Catholic?”

“You may find this hard to believe, but I don’t think she was really all that interested in the religious side of being a Catholic.”

“Oh yes, she wanted one of those religion-free faiths.”

“Exactly. She may have intimated to me that she would very much like for me to conduct her funeral when her time came because her funeral should be a thing of beauty.”

I snort with laughter. “I didn’t realise it was possible to be vain from beyond the grave, but if anyone was going to find a way it was her.”

“You won’t hear me complaining - she brought me back to you.”

“She finally did right by me, she’ll be so disappointed.”